By Ted Waddell
WEST POINT —March 04, 2003– It was a cat fight Sunday afternoon as the Monticello Panthers battled the Kingston Tigers for the Section IX Class A Championship.
But the dream of a sectional title came to an end for the Panthers, as they were defeated 59-42 by Kingston at West Point’s Christl Arena.
At the half, the Tigers led 35-23.
Despite a couple of spectacular shots early in the game, the Panthers really never played up to the level of their opposition as Kingston (21-2) jumped out in front and never looked back on the way to victory.
Last year, Monticello (19-3) took the Section IX title as a Class B school, while Kingston was crowned champion in Class A.
The Panthers won the Class B championship in 1993, 1994 and 1998. This season, however, Monticello was bumped up to Class A competition.
None of the Panthers scored in double figures. Seniors Deon Morgan and Ricky Villegas each netted nine points.
A trio of Tigers made it to double figures: Artevius Fisher (21), Keith Simmons (18) and Kyle Nelson (11).
Stats from the free throw line: Monticello went 4-for-5 (80%) at the foul line, while Kingston was 8-for-11 (73%).
Neither Monticello Coach Dick O’Neill or Kingston Coach Ron Kelder was available for a post-game interview.