In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello scored ten straight points after falling behind early and used a big third quarter to down rival Tolono Unity 53-38 in Class 2A Regional Championship action from Westville Friday night.

Monticello trailed 22-12 at the 4:20 mark of the second quarter, but Tyler Blythe helped fuel a Sages 10-0 run to tie the game, and Monticello and Unity ended up tied at 24-24 at halftime.

Unity's Brayden Henry hit a three-pointer right out of the half, but the Rockets did not score a field goal the rest of the quarter and were outscored 14-2 the rest of the frame. 

After a Miatthis Rudolph driving layup made the score 43-29 in the fourth quarter, the Rockets got within 43-3,4 but that was as close as they would get the rest of the way. 

Monticello closed out the win and clinched its first Regional Championship since 2021.

Gatsby Grant finished with a game-high 15 points, 10 coming in the second half, and had seven boards. Blythe finished with 13 points - he scored ten in the first half. He also grabbed a game-best nine rebounds. 

The two seniors were Piatt/DeWitt Counties co-players of the game for their contributions in fueling runs at critical points during the game.

Rudolph added ten points for Monticello. 

Monticello scored 28 points in the paint. 

Unity ends its season at 24-9 overall.

Monticello improves to 18-13 overall. They advance to the Tolono Unity Sectional, where they will meet Teutopolis on Tuesday night at 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.