MONTICELLO – In the course of a season, a lot of talented teams come to the fore. But to find one with that special blend of talent, chemistry and hustle which Monticello showed against Port Jervis in its season-sweeping 79-64 Senior Night joy fest is rare indeed. It was that good and then some. As one takes in the purview of the upcoming Section IX Class A Sectional contenders, one would be hard pressed to hear much talk about Monticello’s chances. But beware the Montis who are flying under the radar having just garnered their 11th win of the season.

The Panthers are capable of ripping off stunning segments of play, and when they do, they have evinced championship caliber basketball demonstrating their potential to beat anybody in the Section IX Class A Pool. The issue has been one of inconsistency. For as sharp as the Panthers are at times, they have also shown a propensity to unravel at others wherein they suddenly become lax on defense and lose the greased-lightning efficiency of their up-tempo transition-oriented offense. Case in point was last week’s game versus Liberty in the BCANY Coaches vs. Cancer tournament wherein Monticello put on Show Time basketball in the first half followed by no-show basketball later in the game that allowed the Indians to whittle down their deficit from the mid-twenties to ten. That brand of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde hoops could easily trigger a one-stop journey in the sectionals.

On the other hand, if the Panthers play their best brand of basketball and keep that edge sharp, they could cut a path right to the finals. This was a special night in many ways. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans and Board of Education President Lori Orestano-James presented coach Russo with a plaque commemorating his selection as NYS Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. For Port Jervis Coach Brian Rollman, longtime friend of Monticello Coach Chris Russo, this was the swan song to his 25-year career. And, of course, it was Senior Night for the Monti Cheerleaders and hoopsters. Pictures, flowers and smiles held sway as Cheerleader seniors Ariana Bailey, Lauri Diaz, Sydney Carnell and Kaitlyn Lapomerede posed with coach Kathleen Lasher and their loved ones.

Then came the Monti senior basketball players Nohah Bolden-Jackson, Jadden Bryant, Pedro Rodriguez, Enderson Abraham, Daniel Cano, Shawn Jordan, Michael Mingo and Keyon Armour to take their turns center court with loved ones and coaches Chris Russo and assistant Harrison Larkin.

Once the game got underway, the Montis brought forth that electrifying version of their true high voltage play with steals, stifling defense, crisp, alert passing, hustle and points galore. They blitzed the Raiders 19-4 in the first quarter and increased their lead in the second taking a 40-22 advantage by the half.

Russo started his seniors and over the course of the night everyone got into the act. Nohah Bolden Jackson hoisted up a bunch of trey attempts that went astray, but they kept giving him chances and when he finally hit one the crowd went into a frenzy. Rodriquez was spectacular to put it mildly. His unmatched hustle is the spark that ignites the entire team especially his partner in crime Michael Mingo. The duo combined for 34 points on the night with Rodriquez getting 19 to Mingo 15. Joe Russo came in off the bench to raise the ante with his deft threes. He’d tally 11 points in the win which propelled Monticello to 11-8 (7-4).

A road game with Goshen tomorrow will end the regular season. A win against the Gladiators would not only be redemption for an early season loss that should have been a Monti win, it would also up the Panthers’ seeding stock and give them a home game. Port Jervis finished at 3-17 on the season. Russo was more than proud, he was joyful. He loves this team beyond description. And well he should. They are truly lovable, though at times, they have their moments when he’s ready to tear out what little hair he has left.