Post Messenger Recorder -

The Monticello Ponies boys basketball team hosted Black Hawk on January 30th. Despite never having the lead in the game, the Ponies did tie it up a few times in the first half and were only behind by 6 points at halftime. However, Black Hawk pulled ahead in the second half and ended the game with a 15-2 run in the last five minutes to win it, 67-40.

Reece Rufer and Jon Errthum both scored 15 points during the game, while Braden Gafner scored 7. Errthum pulled down 11 rebounds, while Rufer had five and Gafner had four.

In the game at Benton on February 2nd, the Ponies lost a close one, 47-52. The Ponies tied the game several times before Benton pulled ahead to win when Monticello were forced to foul the Benton players to attempt to regain possession of the ball near the end of the game.

“Our defense tightened up in the second half and we came back to tie the game several different times. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get over the hump and we lost by 5,” commented Coach Mark Olson. “I was proud of how we played this week as we were playing without three of our usual rotation players for different reasons.”

Reece Rufer poured in 25 points and had seven rebounds while Jon Errthum scored 12 points and had nine rebounds. Karl Schwoerer scored 5 points.

The Ponies, who are 3-4 in conference play and 6-9 overall, hosted Belleville on February 6th and will travel to Pecatonica on February 8th and will host Argyle on February 10th.