In a game heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, the sixth-ranked Monticello Sages were able to overcome a chaotic style of play and beat IVC 75-56 in the Illini Prairie Conference opener in high school boy's basketball action from the Sievers Center Friday night at Monticello High School.

The Grey Ghosts played a full-court press most of the night with an aggressive two-three half-court zone defense that allowed the Sages to score 52 points in the paint and shoot 56-percent for the game.

Monticello dished out 23 assists on 33 baskets and turned it over only 11 times. They also forced IVC into 20 points to the tune of 28 points.

Four players scored in double figures for Monticello led by Piatt/DeWitt County ServPro Player of the Game Dylan Ginalick's 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Tanner Buehnerkemper (bunny-kemp-er) added 16 points and six assists, Ben Cresap scored 15 points and seven steals while Joey Sprinkle added 12 points.

Nick Rainey scored a game-high 18 points for the Grey Ghosts.

IVC falls to 2-14 overall and 0-1 in the Illini Prairie.

The Sages bounced back from its first loss of the season Tuesday night at Teutopolis to improve to 15-1 and 1-0 in the Illini Prairie. 

The first high school basketball state rankings of the 2022 calendar year were released Wednesday and Monticello was No. 6 in the poll followed by Teutopolis at No 7. 

The Sages return to action Saturday evening with a game at the St. Joseph-Ogden Christie Clinic Shootout taking on Manteno at 5 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.