The Monticello Sages state runner-up finish in the Class 2A high school basketball postseason last year was the best finish in school history but the questions will be abundant coming into the 2022-23 basketball season.

Coach Kevin Roy says it was an amazing season but now it's in the past and it's time to prepare for the season ahead.

Graduating nearly all of the production from last year's team that included seven seniors, Coach Roy indicates they've been using the summer and preseason practice schedule to find an identity and cohesion.

Monticello was in an advantageous position last year with nearly its entire core being seniors, including it's sixth and sometimes the seventh player off the bench being seniors. Coach Roy points out they are going to have four seniors this year, a few juniors but a very strong sophomore class they will be able to turn to.

Coach Roy calls this group great kids and enjoys being around them. Monticello starts the season a little banged up with a few injuries to some of its expected regulars.

The Sages open the season with an Illini Praire Conference/Sangamo Conference challenge satellite as they take on four Sangamo teams in its first six games. They host Pleasant Plains tonight before a matchup at home against Riverton next Tuesday.

Game time tonight is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.