Ben Monnig scored 21 points and Ryan Javaheri 17 to lead the Augusta Preparatory Day School boys to a 66-61 non-region victory over Westminster Schools of Augusta at AP’s Boardman Athletic Center Dec. 10.
Monnig, Charles Connell and Hank Monnig each made a key 3-pointer in the last four minutes in a tight high school contest.
“We made the plays when we needed to make plays, and that’s why we won the game,” AP’s first-year coach Sam Gruber said.
There were nine lead changes in the game as both teams used pressing defenses to make this an intense affair.
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Westminster, behind the shooting of Benji Lynch and the inside play of Bobby Blackwell, built a 15-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the Cavaliers (4-2) outscored the Wildcats 20-14 in a frantic second quarter. This despite the fact that Ben Monnig had three first-half fouls, although he scored 10 points before AP Coach Sam Gruber had to send his guard to the bench.
“I was just telling them there that practice is so important,” Gruber said as he had to play backups for Ben Monnig. “Ben is our guy. He’s in foul trouble, and you’re like, ‘Oh, no.’ But you see what guys like Hank, Elijah McFadgen and Sam Connell can do when you need them.”
Hank Monnig, McFadgen and Sam Connell gave the Cavaliers both energy and a spark on defense. Hank Monnig would add 12 points for the Cavs.
McFadgen made a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left in the half to give the Cavaliers’ their three-point edge (32-29) at the break after the half saw six lead changes.
In the third quarter, Prep built a 36-31 advantage, but Westminster roared back behind Carter Huss. At the end of the third, the Cavaliers had a 46-45 edge.
Huss finished with 19 points and Lynch totaled 18 points for the Wildcats (3-3). Blackwell also scored in double figures for Westminster with 14 points.
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“Prep converted and we didn’t,” said Wildcat Coach Kevin Kelsey. “They are well-coached. They run a good offense, and they set each other up for good shots.”
In the girls’ game, Prep defeated Westminster 47-19. The Cavaliers rushed to an 18-2 lead to start the game and led 28-12 at the half. Mae Wallace Baker led Prep (3-3) with 22 points, including 12 in the first half. Beatty Joseph and E Nesbit each scored 8 points for the Cavs.
Using a suffocating press, the Cavaliers stretched the lead to 37-15 by the end of the third quarter before AP Coach Patrick Reynolds called it off.
“The press is the key for us,” Reynolds said, “and Baker right now is dominating. I am super proud of her. She is our most consistent player.”
Westminster (1-5) was led by Aimee Spurlock and Brianna Baughman with 6 points each.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, Prep will host Lake Oconee Academy. Girls’ game starts at 4 p.m. and the boys’ at 5:30. Westminster hosts Briarwood, also on Saturday, at the same times.
