Monroe City Rallies; Falls short to Van-Far in Tony Lenzini Semifinals

The Monroe City boys basketball team faced the Van-Far Indians in the Tony Lenzini Tournament on Thursday, Jan 19.

Monroe City led the Indians 10-9 after the first quarter. However, the Panthers would only score six points in the second quarter and found themselves trailing a disciplined Van-Far squad 24-16 at the half. Van-Far Game

“I thought our team came out in the second half and did a much better job executing what our game plan was. I was really proud of how our guys competed and gave ourselves a chance to at least force overtime. When you lose a game by two points, there are numerous things that would have helped us win. We have a coachable group of guys that I look forward to reflecting on this game and seeing how we can continue to improve,” states Head Coach Brock Edris.

Monroe City regrouped and played with much more intensity in the second half, cutting the

Indian lead 32-29 after three quarters. Both teams defended each other very well in the fourth quarter. With 35 seconds left in the game the Panthers fouled to send the Indians to the free throw line to shoot free throws. The Indians made one of two free throws to lead 38-36. On the next possession Monroe City executed their half court play. Jaylyn Countryman cut to the right block and caught the pass from Quincy Mayfield. Countryman attacked the middle of the lane and found a cutting Toby Sapp to the left block for a lay up to tie the game 38-38 with 10 seconds remaining. Van-Far inbounded the basketball to one of their guards and drove the length of the floor to score with 4.5 seconds remaining in the game to lead 40-38. Monroe City did not convert on their next possession to fall just short 40-38.

The Panthers were led by Countryman with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Mayfield had 8 points.

Reece Buhlig added 7 points. Both Brent Holland and Blake Pfanner had four points. Landan Holland had three points and Toby Sapp had two points.