MONROE — In a battle of potential state players of the year, McKenna Warnock’s Monona Grove took the first of two games over Sydney Hilliard’s Monroe with a 73-64 overtime win Dec. 14.

“In overtime we were 0-for-8, and they went 9-for-12 from the free throw line,” Monroe coach Sam Mathiason said. “They do a good job with spacing, driving and kicking.”

Warnock had 39 points and 20 rebounds for the Silver Eagles (8-1, 3-1 Badger South). She was 13 of 20 from the field, including 6 of 10 from 3 and 7 of 11 from the line. Monona Grove was 11-for-26 (42.3 percent) from beyond the arc in the game, which means other than Warnock, the Silver Eagles still shot 5-for-16 from deep.

Monroe (5-3, 3-2) was just 8 of 29 (27.5 percent) from 3.

“They shot very well,” Mathiason said of MG. “We forgot about how far from the basket she’ll (Warnock) shoot it.”

Hilliard was one of four Cheesemakers to reach double figures, finishing with 16. Grace Tostrud had 15, including a 4-for-9 mark from deep. Tostrud hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left that forced overtime.

Emily Benzschawel (12) and Megan Benzschawel (10) also reached double figures. Hilliard had nine rebounds, while Megan Benzschawel finished with eight.

Watertown (7-0, 4-0) currently leads the Badger South, with Stoughton (7-1, 4-1) close on their tail. Monroe defeated Stoughton in the first meeting between the two schools Dec. 8.

“There are a lot of conference games left. This is a balanced conference, and I think it’s shown this year especially that any team can win on any given night,” Mathiason said.

Monroe was set to play a nonconference game Dec. 18 against McFarland before a road game at Edgewood Dec. 21.