The Monticello Lady Sages made a comeback effort that ultimately fell short as they were defeated by the St. Joseph-Ogden Lady Spartans by a final score of 54-47 in Illini Prairie Conference high school girls basketball action on Thursday night in St. Joseph. 

St. Joe dominated the first half, leading 29-16 going into the break. The Lady Sages pushed back in the third, making the score 38-33, but the Lady Spartans turned the heat back up to seal the win in the fourth. 

Ali Weidner led Monticello with 17 points. Sarah Cresap and Emma Arnold each scored eight points. 

With the loss, Monticello falls to 12-11 and 1-4 in the Illini Prairie. St. Joseph-Ogden improves to 14-6 and 4-1 in conference play. 

The Lady Sages will play host to the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes on Saturday at 2:15 PM. 

Tune in to the next Monticello Sages Sports broadcast when the boys host the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals. Tipoff is Saturday at 4:30 PM. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com