The Monticello Ponies continued their undefeated winning streak into the new year on January 2nd at Brodhead by beating the Cardinals 87-67, after leading at halftime 36-28.

The home team’s only lead was in the first half by 1 point, but the Ponies had a 12-4 run to go up 20-13 with 12 minutes left in the half.

The second half was all Ponies, as they started the half with a 19-9 run to go up by 18.

Monticello’s Reece Rufer scored his 1,000th career point with 2:10 left in the game.

“This week we came out of a two-week layoff over break to travel to Brodhead. Early in the game we didn’t do a good job of controlling their penetration and we traded baskets for a while,” said Coach Mark Olson. “Eventually we figured out our defensive positioning and did a better job of challenging at the rim. We also did a good job of attacking their trap and press and were able to turn their pressure in shots at the rim. The highlight of the game was Reece Rufer scoring his 1,000th point. He needed 21 points and finished with 22 for the game.”

Leading the team with 39 points was Peter Gustafson, who also pulled down 7 rebounds. Reece Rufer scored 22 points and had 13 rebounds and Simon Blohowiak scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds.

The Ponies hosted Belleville on January 6th and will host Albany on January 9th before heading to Black Hawk on January 14th. They’re 8-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play.