Devs Comeback Cools Warriors

Holton vs. Kent City earlier this year. Photo by Sue Harrison

Monette shot sends Holton to District Finals

Trailing 18-5 after the first quarter it looked to many like it could be the beginning of the end for the Red Devil team that had battled their way to a conference title and reached this game via a come from behind victory on Tuesday.
But not to the players wearing the Holton unis.
“We took a punch early tonight and we were able to get back up,” said Coach Keith Swanson.
And get up they did.
By halftime they had carved into that lead and gained the ever precious commodity known as momentum.

The second half began with the Devs clawing their way in front behind the hot hand of Wyatt Monette and the Warriors responded with some balanced scoring from Owen Varnado , Micah TerHaar and Brekken Fairfield. When the third quarter ended the hosts were sitting with a 3 point edge. The teams traded punches throughout  the  fourth but it came down to one shot with seconds remaining.
And Monette hit that shot.

Coach Swanson: “Our guys are so mentally tough. They’ve been that way all year. Our defense, as a team, was outstanding, and our two leaders, (Aidan) Poling and Monette, came through huge for us”
As a result the Red Devils avenged an earlier home loss to WMC and  have been given the sweet opportunity to compete in a District Final on their home court.
And should they keep the run rolling on Saturday?
Even sweeter.
 
Monette finished with 21 points to go with his 4 steals and 5 boards while Poling dropped in 13 and dished out 5 dimes.
Varnado and TerHaar  notched a dozen apiece for WMC.