MONTICELLO — The Ponies graduated seven seniors last season and will have to fill those roles if Monticello wants to win another Six Rivers East conference title.

Evan Guenther and Brayden Ryan led last year’s senior class as First-Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention selections, respectively. Guenther was the team’s second highest scorer, averaging 8.9 points per game, while contributed defensively with 5.2 rebounds per game. Kade Ace was the team’s leading rebounder with 6.2 boards per game.

“We need to find boys to step up after losing a big senior class,” head coach Mark Olson said. “We will need to work hard and compete every night out.”

Seniors Jackson Eyler, Nick Roe and Ryer Indergand are front runners to fill empty spots. As the team’s leading scorer with 11.5 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game, Eyler was a Second-Team All-Conference selection. Indergand, an Honorable Mention selection, averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. With 2.8 assists per game, he was the team’s leading distributor.

Other seniors looking to step up include Ian Schwartzlow, Austin Skibbe and Zuteus Blades. Peyton Smith, a junior, will also be relied upon.

Although the Ponies outrebounded their opponents 691-337 last year, the loss of Ace (6.2 rpg), Ryan (5.2 rpg) and Seth Culberson (3.2 rpg) will impact the numbers this season. Olson sees rebounding as the main area of concern.

After going undefeated in conference last season (12-0), Monticello will have a target on its back. Olson anticipates Barneveld, Pecatonica and Argyle coming for the top spot this year.

“Barneveld, Pecatonica, and Argyle all played young talented players last year,” Olson said. “I expect them to improve with their gained experience and have these teams competing for the top of the conference.”