Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
COBDEN – Colin Monan was quiet much of the night, until he wasn’t.
The Meridian senior hit three massive 3-pointers during a 58 second span in the fourth quarter helping the Bobcats erase a nine-point deficit and rally past Waltonville 54-51 in the Cobden 1A Sectional semifinals.
Monan added two huge free throws in the final minute, then the Bobcats’ defense came up with two stops in the closing seconds keeping the Spartans from getting a potential game-tying shot to the rim. AJ Flenoid Junior blocked Gage Peterson’s attempt with two seconds to go and time expired as the Bobcats eliminated the Spartans in the sectional semis for the second straight year.
Monan led Meridian with 15 points. Flenoid Junior added 14 and Latarus Johnson 11. Waltonville junior Kyle Cooper led all scorers with 19. Witten Devor (13) and Peterson (12) also reach double figures for the Spartans.
The Bobcats improve to 25-8 and advance to face Goreville Friday night for the sectional championship and a spot in Monday’s EIU Supersectional.
The Spartans finish the season 28-5.
