Thursday nigh’st matchup between Monticello and Albemarle proved the Patriots’ have what it takes defensively in a 52-36 victory against the struggling Mustangs.
The Patriots jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Monticello’s quick counter-attack kept them in the game early on before Albemarle started quickly grinding the Mustangs down. Seniors Grant Kersey and Kennedy Brown led the Patriots’ defense, holding Monticello to eight points in the first quarter.
The second quarter proved more of the same for the Patriots’ defense. Monticello implemented a full-court press early in hopes of catching the Patriots off guard. However, Albemarle overcame the pressure, creating uncontested shots for Jake Hahn and Justice Taylor while providing Albemarle a 31-18 lead at the end of the first half.
The third quarter was Kersey’s time to shine. From shifty steals to strong positioning, Kersey found ways to get the ball. Kersey knocked down two threes to ignite the Albemarle crowd and close in on the Patriots’ 16th win of the regular season. Albemarle guard Myles Adams-Yates added four more to the cause capping the third quarter lead at 52-38.
Albemarle’s offense slowed in the fourth quarter and the fouls stacked up for both teams. The foul line proved a nuisance for both teams as Albemarle went six for ten and Monticello hit three of ten. As the clock ran down both teams submitted and the final score was 66-51.
