Monterey High School basketball coach Eric Richard said one of the greatest attributes to this year’s team is its ability to adapt.

Despite the Wolves falling to LHSAA Class B No. 4 Hicks Thursday night, 48-41, Richard was pleased with their determination.

“We lost to them by 25 points earlier this season. That’s a very good basketball team,” Richard said. “For the most part, I thought we played well. It just got away from us. We made few mistakes and they made us pay. It’s what good teams do.”

No. 17 Monterey began the game waiting patiently for open shots as Reid Richard scored 14 points in the first half, including four 3-pointers. It also had a keen eye on defense, holding Hicks to difficult shots in the paint.

The Wolves led at halftime, 26-20.

“Our identity morphs every game,” Eric Richard said. “Based on who we play we can do some different things, and I like that.”

Monterey forced a quick turnover to begin the second half, but Richard said the slope was downhill from there.

The Wolves were outscored in the third quarter 19-8, allowing Hicks multiple offensive rebounds for easy layups.

“I think the difference in the game was really a three-minute stretch there. They made a run on us, and we just didn’t have enough to come back from it,” he said.

While Monterey (12-7) wasn’t able to hold on to its early control, Richard said it is always good to see improvement, especially following a two-week holiday break.

Reid Richard ended the game with 16 points, and Hunter Lipsey and Trey Boyd each added 10 of their own.

“It was a good start,” he said. “One of the things we talk about a lot is getting better all the time. I think this team has really done that. After a break, you never know what you’re going to get. We just wanted to get our feet back underneath us in this game, so I like where we are as a basketball team.”

Richard said if anything, he wants to see improvement in Monterey’s ability to stabilize itself.

“Being consistent and playing good basketball at a high level with high intensity for 32 minutes is key,” he said. “If you slack for just a few minutes against a good team, you fall behind.”

Monterey will be back in action Monday when it travels to Central.

Hicks 53, Monterey (girls) 30

The Lady Wolves had a difficult time finding an offensive rhythm early Thursday night, ultimately dropping its matchup with Hicks, 53-30.

Monterey scored just two points in the first period, while giving up 17 for an early deficit.

Andy Gray led the efforts with nine points, while Avery Cupit and Jessica Woodrum each added six.