Monachello makes a big impact in upset
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Lake Oconee Academy senior Jane Monachello (5) has been a key part of her team's defensive strategy this season. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff
Defense was key in Lake Oconee Academy’s 47-39 win over No. 7 Warren County this past Friday.
The Lady Titans limited the Lady Screaming Devils to 11 combined points in the second and third quarters. Their aggressive defensive prowess and tactics were the difference for them in the end.
Senior Jane Monachello led the charge defensively. She forced Warren County to turn the ball over several times and was an important part of why LOA’s half-court press was successful in the win.
Lady Titans’ coach Savannah Soles has taken notice of Monachello’s defensive skills on the court.
“I think Jane is one of the best – if not the best – defenders in the region,” Soles said. “When she gets going defensively, she guards the ball hard, which makes our team better. I tell her, ‘When you play hard, the team follows.’ She takes pride in her defense and that has helped us out this year.”
LOA led by one point at halftime, but the game opened up in the first few minutes of the third quarter. The Lady Titans went on a 7-0 run, powered by a steal from Monachello that led to points.
LOA turned up its defensive pressure with half-court traps and pressure. Warren County couldn’t figure out how to break the press as it was spearheaded by Monachello and fellow senior Georgia Bosart.
The scoring cooled off late in the third but picked up in the fourth. However, the Lady Screaming Devils never managed to take the lead due to their slow start to the second half.
“I felt like it was the most complete game our team has played,” Soles added. “We executed the game plan from start to finish. And we always encourage the girls to start fast, play hard, and be physical for the entire game. I hadn’t seen that until Friday night and felt like we competed hard for all 32 minutes. We set the tempo of the game and when we do that, the girls are rewarded for it.”
The Lady Titans outhustled Warren County by grabbing rebounds inside the paint and diving for every loose ball on the hardwood. Their fearless effort led to second-chance opportunities on offense.
LOA physically bullied the Lady Screaming Devils on the glass, out-rebounding them 48-28. The Lady Titans also forced nearly a dozen turnovers as their opponent struggled against their press.
Bosart made a big impact, notching another double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Monachello contributed four points, six rebounds, and a pair of steals in LOA’s eight-point win.
“Jane’s numbers don’t necessarily stand out, but she is the key to our defensive (strategy),” Soles said. “She plays hard and gets after it. We play well on defense when Jane leads us with her energy. She is always given the toughest matchups on defense but sets the tone for us every game.”
Monachello has played a pivotal role for the Lady Titans throughout her career. Monachello has been the team’s defensive motor while former players Kensi Stevens, Jada Williams, and Hannah Heinen, as well as current teammate Georgia Bosart, took care of things on the offensive end for LOA.
This season, Monachello is averaging nine points, five rebounds, and two steals per game as a senior.
Soles acknowledged how “valuable” it is to have a player such as Monachello on the roster.
“Jane is a valuable, valuable player for us,” Soles said. “She’s been rewarded a lot more this year offensively because of her defensive abilities.”