At this point in the year with Monticello’s senior-laden lineup, it was going to take a Herculean effort to end the Mustangs’ two and a half year Jefferson District winning streak.
Orange County proved up to the task Tuesday night.
“This has been a long time coming…This is the biggest win they’ve ever been a part of and to do it against a class act like coach (Josh) McElheney and a great program like Monticello is great for us,” said Orange coach Dave Rabe. “That’s the first complete game I feel like we’ve played in a very long time.”
The Hornets handed Monticello its first loss in district play since the Mustangs fell to Louisa in January of 2012. With an incredible effort on the boards, Orange beat Monticello 50-37.
“We’re so glad that our hard work has finally paid off,” said Orange senior Markiana Smith. “We’re just going to take this win and keep on building from here and make it as far as we know we can.”
Smith posted a double double to help ignite the Hornets, scoring a team-high 15 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. Smith’s effort along with Elisha Richardson’s own 10 boards played a big role in the Hornets’ decisive 43-24 advantage on the boards.
“Not a whole lot went right, I thought they outhustled us to the ball, they got every rebound, they made shots — a ton of shots,” said Monticello coach Josh McElheney. “Everything we shot was contested and they made it tough on us tonight.”
Smith scored eight points in the first quarter alone to help spark the Hornets to a 26-22 lead at the break. Laine Harrington also put together a strong night with 12 points and seven rebounds. She scored seven of her points in the final frame, helping Orange pull away down the stretch.
Point guard Kiani Hudgens was absolutely critical in the closing minutes, managing the pace of the game extremely well as Monticello stepped up the defensive pressure in an effort to salvage a victory.
“We got as far as she goes and I’ve said that before,” Rabe said. “She controls the ball for us. It doesn’t have to be points, but most importantly, fewer turnovers and when she can do that, then things start to open up offensively.”
Hudgens dished out five assists on the night to go with her eight points while Rebecca Harvey finished with four assists and five points.
Monticello got 16 points from Meghan Comer and another 14 from Molly Shephard, but struggled to create any scoring beyond those two seniors.
“It was a heck of a run and it was bound to come to an end at some point,” McElheney said. “I’d rather it be against Dave (Rabe) than anybody else.”
Orange County travels to take on Louisa County Friday while Monticello hits the floor again tomorrow at home against Fuqua.
