Monticello dropped the first two games of its Holiday Hoopla action from Monticello Monday in high school girl's basketball action from Miller Gym.

A slow second half doomed Monticello as they lost the opener, 35-34 to Stark County. 

Leading 25-11 at the intermission, the scores basically flipped in the second half. Maia High had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. 

31 turnovers did not help Monticello's struggling offense and the absence of leading-scorer, Megan Allen. 

Kylee Frisby scored 14 points to lead Stark County while Lindley Johnson contributed six points. 

Stark County lost to Clinton in its second game of the tournament. 

The nightcap didn't provide much new life for Monticello as they fell 27-21 to Ridgeview in the nightcap of its first day of Holiday Hoopla action.

No one reached double figures in the low-scoring contest. Jacq Maxey led the way with seven points and ten rebounds. Monticello again committed 27 turnovers. 

Pearl Glaze scored six for Monticello.

Brinley Stevens' 11 points led Ridgeview. The Lady Mustangs lost its first game of the tournament to Clinton.

Monticello will look to avoid an 0-3 pool play mark this afternoon when they take on Clinton. Game time is at 2 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC, as well as at dewittdailynews.com, and on WHOW and its online digital platforms.