The Monticello went 16-for-16 from the foul line in the second half and neutralized All-State guard Nate Henry en route to a 54-38 victory over Rockridge in a 2A State semifinal matchup from the State Farm Center in Champaign.
The Sages defense has been its calling card all season and limited the 6-foot-4 guard to just two first half points as Monticello led 16-8 at the intermission.
The Sages were just 2-for-5 from the foul line in the first half but finished perfect in the second half and gradually pulled away.
Ben Cresap, who was named to the second-team All State Wednesday, finished with 11 of his 12 points in the second half. Joey Sprinkle led Monticello with 17 points. Trevor Fox scored 14 points and Dylan Ginalick finished with 10.
Freshman Landon Bull led the Rockets with 20 points.
Monticello moves to 33-3 overall and will take on either DePaul Prep or Nashville for the State Championship Saturday afternoon at 12:30 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
