MONTICELLO – With the heat rising outside and players getting antsy about their up and coming basketball seasons, Coach Chris Russo was in full control of the temperature in the Pit this off-season.

Coach Russo’s Panthers alongside four other teams including the Liberty Indians, Ellenville Blue Devils, Port Jervis Raiders and the Fallsburg Comets were the clubs in this year’s 5-game regular season and single elimination playoff bracket. 

The Monticello High School Summer League offered coaches a chance to get familiar with their up and coming JV kids that will be moving up to varsity and to get a look at their new “leaders” with all five teams losing seniors to graduation after this past ball season. 

The summer league was put together with hopes of improving basketball in the area and keep it moving upward as it has been the last couple seasons.

The energy was through the roof from the first tip off all the way to the final buzzer. Just ask this year’s champions The Port Jervis Raiders, who hit two back to back buzzer beaters in playoffs to win it all versus the Ellenville Blue Devils and the Monticello Panthers. The Raiders trailed both clubs by double digits in the final minutes of both games.

Although the league doesn’t count towards the actual season, you could not tell by the efforts put forward by all the athletes in the Pit from loose balls, late game charges and ninety-four foot presses. It was truly a great league to watch and partake in. 

Sullivan County basketball is in great hands, and the Pit is under control for years to come.