Luke Thombs’ layup with 21 seconds to play lifted Monmouth to a 43-42 victory over Wiscasset in Saturday night MVC boys varsity basketball.

Monmouth was led by Thombs with 20 points and Hunter Richardson with 16. Travis Hartford added five. With the win, Monmouth improves to 5-3 and moves up to fourth in Class C South standings. Wiscasset was led by Ethan James with 18 and Cody Roberts with 10. Brandon Sprague chipped in seven. Wiscasset falls to 8-1, and second in Class C South.

At times seeing triple coverage, James had a difficult time figuring out the Mustang defense, as he was held in check for only four first-half points. Wiscasset still managed to lead after one quarter, 9-8.

In the second quarter, Monmouth’s energy advantage was obvious, and the team capitalized on this, going on a 19-6 run paced by Thombs and Richardson that saw the Mustangs take a 27-15 lead into halftime.

It was all James in the third, as Wiscasset came out with a plan and won the quarter 15-5. James would net 11 in the quarter and bring his team back to within two to end the third, 32-30.

The fourth was a battle. After Sprague’s two free throws with 2:25 cut Monmouth’s lead to 41-37, Wiscasset’s defense forced a turnover on the ensuing in-bounds play to regain possession. Roberts made a side drive that he converted and drew the foul. After sinking the free throw, Wiscasset had closed to within one. With 1:18 left and still down one, Wiscasset found Grant Hefler for a jumper in the left corner that gave Wiscasset a 42-41 lead. With only 36 seconds to play, James was called for his fifth foul on a blocking call in the paint. However, Monmouth would fail to convert on the free throws, giving Wiscasset a chance to add to its lead. Sprague was able to draw a foul and would go to the line for a one and one. But he would miss the front end, giving the Mustangs possession and setting up Thombs for the winning hoop. Wiscasset still had an opportunity to match, but a Monmouth steal with two seconds left sealed the deal.

Lady Mustangs get past Wiscasset

Balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure led the Monmouth Mustangs past the Wiscasset Wolverines 50-21 on Saturday night in MVC girls varsity basketball action.

Leading the way for Monmouth (7-1, 3rd Class C South) were guards Tia Day and Sidney Wilson, both with nine points. Abbey Allen added seven.

Monmouth would employ a full court press from the outset of the game. This created multiple turnovers and made things very uncomfortable for the Wolverines, leading to a 14-5 first quarter lead that stretched to 29-10 by the half. Wiscasset struggled to advance the ball past mid-court due to Monmouth’s great length, which made it difficult for them to set and run their offense.

Monmouth also showed it can shoot the ball from anywhere and that anyone can provide the shooting, as four different players would connect from three-point land. 

 Wiscasset (3-6, 10th Class C South) was led by Gabby Chapman with 11 points, and Hayhlee Craig with seven.