A magical season for the Monticello Sages boy's basketball team culminates in its second state finals appearance in five years this weekend in Champaign when they take on Rockridge in Class 2A high school boy's basketball state semifinal action this afternoon from the State Farm Center.

Monticello has won 12 straight and comes into play tonight at 32-3 overall. The Sages rolled PBL to start postseason play. 53-30. After that game, things were not easy for Monticello.

The Sages needed overtime to get by Prairie Central, 55-51 in the Regional Championship. Monticello was able to pull away late from Herscher in a 37-25 Sectional semifinal victory and then held off El Paso-Gridley, 51-46. 

Monday in Supersectional play, the Sages blew away Bloomington Central Catholic, 62-44 to advance to this weekend's sate finals. 

For the 26-6 Rockridge Rockets, they have won 15-straight games including a blowout 91-14 Regional quarterfinal win over West Carroll. The Rockets rolled Prophetstown, 56-38 in Regional semifinal action and topped Port Byrton-Riverdale 58-52 to take home the Regional title.

Rockridge then beat Eureka 55-48 in Sectional semifinal action and rolled Farmington 47-30 for the Sectional crown. 

Monday night at the Sterling Supersectional, Rockridge downed Rockford Lutheran, 57-52.

Game time this afternoon is 2:30 pm from the State Farm Center in Champaign. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

The winner of this afternoon's matchup takes on either Nashville or DePaul College Prep Saturday afternoon, while the losers meet up for a third-place contest this evening at 8:30 pm. 

Class 1A State semifinal action:

At Champaign State Farm Center

Steeleville 10:00am

Yorkville Christian

Liberty 11:45am

Scales Mound