In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello jumped out to a 7-0 lead but fell short to top-seeded Pontiac 48-45 in Class 2A girls high school basketball Regional Championship action Friday in Fairbury.

A Sara Cresap three-pointer in the first quarter put the Lady Sages ahead 7-0 before Pontiac finally broke through 5:12 into the first quarter.

The Lady Sages led by as many as eight in the first half, but Pontiac chipped away and took its first lead of the game in the third quarter.

The Lady Sages got down by as many as seven late, but continued to get back within a possession. Too many late turnovers kept Monticello from the comeback.

Pontiac was led by Trinity Miller's 19 points.

Lexi Leatherwood scored 12 of her team-best 13 points in the second half - and had 12 of 18 second-half points for Monticello.

Monticello ends the 2025-26 season with a loss in a 2A Regional Championship for the second straight year. They finished 17-15 overall. 

Pontiac improves to 21-11 and will battle Bishop McNamara on Tuesday night in a Sectional semifinal in Pontiac.