LocalSportsJournal.com
HOLTON — After building a substantial lead through the first three quarters, Montague’s boys basketball team withstood a big rally by Holton before finally finishing with a 51-48 non-conference victory on the road Wednesday night.
It was a makeup game from Jan. 14.
The visiting Wildcats opened up a 17-10 lead after one quarter, and then outscored the Red Devils, 5-1 in a sluggish second quarter for both teams. It gave the Wildcats a 22-11 lead at the half.
Montague regrouped at the halftime intermission, and came out on fire in the third period, outscoring the Red Devils 24-14 for a 46-25 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Holton caught fire itself in the final period, using a strong defensive charge with a hot offense to outscore the Wildcats, 23-5 but it wasn’t enough.
“We give a lot of credit to Montague,” Holton coach Keith Swanson said. “They really handed it to us for three quarters. I’m glad our guys fought to the end. I’m sure we will have lots to learn from this game.”
Leading the Wildcats were Tate Stine with 10 points, followed by Rodney Brassfield with nine and Paul Olson with seven points.’
“I thought we played a good three quarters of basketball, but had too many lapses in the fourth to make the game close, said Montqague head coach David Osborne.
Wyatt Monette tossed in 30 points for the Red Devils, and hauled down seven rebounds and picked off seven steals. Carter Brant added nine points, while Austin Fowler chipped in with six points, four assists and four steals.
The loss dropped Holton’s record to 6-2 overall. Holton is next scheduled to see action Friday at Morley-Stanwood in a Central State Activities Association Silver matchup.
It was the second win in a row for Montague, and improved their record to 6-4 overall. Next up on the schedule for the Wildcats is Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Oakridge.
