The Monticello Sages started fast and rolled to a season-opening 54-35 win over Pleasant Plains in non-conference high school boy's basketball action from Pleasant Plains High School Tuesday night.

Ben Cresap and Dylan Ginalick fueled the Sages fast start early with transition baskets and a three from Ginalick to open an 11-5 lead after the first quarter.

Each team showed first game rust before finding their legs. The Sages doing so first appeared to be the difference as they opened up 26-10 lead at the half.

The Cardinals offered more energy as they started the second half with a half-court set that led to a dunk by Zach Powell but Trevor Fox buried a three on the ensuing possession and later Cresap was fouled after knocking down a wing three-pointer and completed the four-point play.

Despite trailing by double-digits most of the second half, Plains never let down on the energy and were outscored 19-16 in the third period and each team recorded nine fourth-quarter points.

Cresap was the Piatt/DeWitt County ServPro player of the game with a team-high 15 points. Ginalick added ten and Joey Sprinkle scored six of his eight points in the second half. 

The Cardinals were led by Powell's 15 points.

Plains is 0-1 on the season while Monticello is 1-0. The Sages hit the road to take on another Sangamo Conference opponent in Riverton next Tuesday night. Hear the action starting at 7 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.