Basketball Game Preview: Monticello Sages vs. Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers

Monticello and Mt. Pulaski are an even 4-4 against one another since December of 2016, but not for long. The Sages will be playing in front of their home fans against the Hilltoppers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Monticello comes in on three and Mt. Pulaski on five.

Monticello is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They took their game on Monday with ease, bagging a 62-17 win over Urbana. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 33-5.

Mady Melton

Assists (Career)

12/01/25 @ Urbana	4
02/18/25 @ Meridian	2
02/01/25 vs Athens	2
01/07/25 @ Hoopeston	2
12/05/24 @ Mt. Pulaski	2

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Monticello to victory, but perhaps none more so than Mady Melton, who posted ten points along with seven boards and five steals. The dominant performance also gave Melton a new career-high in assists (four). Sarah Cresap was another key player, putting up 12 points.

Monticello was working as a unit and finished the game with 13 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Urbana only posted one.

Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Mt. Pulaski against Cerro Gordo/Bement on Tuesday as the team secured a 67-21 victory. That looming 67-21 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Hilltoppers yet this season.

Monticello now has a winning record of 3-2. As for Mt. Pulaski, their win bumped their record up to 5-0.

Monticello lost to Mt. Pulaski at home by a decisive 47-31 margin when the teams last played back in December of 2024. Will the Sages have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.