In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello gradually pulled away in the second half and ended a four-game losing streak with a 63-56 win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda in Illini Prairie Conference high school boys basketball in Paxton.
Nolan Buehenerkemper followed up a season-best 23 points in a fourth-straight loss to Warrensburg-Latham on Saturday with a game-best 19 points Tuesday night, scoring 11 points in the second half to help build a 15-point lead - including a three-pointer from half court as time expired on the third quarter.
Aiden McCool finished with 14 points while Matthias Rudolph added 12 points for the Sages.
Buehnerkemper earned the State Bank of Bement player of the game.
Carson Goss and Jack Weslund scored 14 points apiece to lead the Panthers. Dyland Vance scored eight of 11 points in the second half for PBL.
PBL falls to 12-9 overall and 0-3 in the Illini Prairie Conference.
Monticello improves to 11-7 overall and 2-2 in league play. Monticello visits rival Tolono Unity on Thursday night at 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
