Coming off of its first Jefferson District loss of the season last week against Western Albemarle, Charlottesville wasted little time in getting down to business against Monticello on Tuesday night.

With Madison County entering Saturday night’s game with an undefeated record and a No. 1 ranking in Group A courtesy of the Associated Press, Monticello looked to knock the Mountaineers off their lofty perch. Like Madison’s previous 14 opponents, the Mustangs left with a loss, 66-52.

The Dragons held off a talented, pesky Monticello team and grabbed a critical 72-66 victory in front of a raucous home crowd Friday night.

The Patriots’ swim teams pulled off a sweep at the City/County Challenge, with the boys team running away with a victory while the girls squad held off a strong challenge from Western Albemarle to come away with the title.

However, Cronk’s victory wasn’t enough to take down the Patriots in the team standings. Western had a strong start to the night, but Albemarle crept back out in front to win by 27 points at UVa’s Aquatic and Fitness Center.

With Charlottesville, Orange County and Western Albemarle all sitting at 2-0, the race for the Jefferson District boys title may already be shaking out a bit.

It was a long weekend for the Monticello boys basketball team, but after Monday’s game against the Patriots, the Mustangs finally have something to feel good about.

The Mountaineers are now 8-0 on the young season and 4-0 against JD teams, after previously knocking off William Monroe (twice) and Orange County.

The senior came through in the clutch, and his pair of free throws were the difference as the Hornets went home with a hard-fought win, 64-63.

Few seem willing to concede the crown to the Black Knights. And with good reason — the Jefferson District appears destined to be a dogfight again this year.

By all accounts, Charlottesville is the team to beat in the Jefferson District this season. And with good reason.

Monticello used its well-balanced offensive attack to dispatch John Handley for the Region II championship and advance to the Group AA, Division 3 semifinals this Saturday against James Monroe.

Monticello will meet a familiar, formidable opponent — John Handley — in the Group AA, Region II Division 3 championship.

Midway through last year, Monticello’s Nolan Thornton, then a junior, was just starting to earn his stripes — and a nickname.

The Mustangs, fueled by their stifling defense, overcame a rocky start to dispatch the Falcons, 30-13.