It was a long drive to Arcola for both the Edwards County Lions and the Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers, but the atmosphere inside the gym made every mile worth it. Fans from both southern Illinois and Logan County packed the stands, creating a loud, electric environment fitting for a Super-Sectional showdown with a trip to state on the line.
From the opening tip, the intensity was clear. Edwards County controlled the tip-off and immediately energized its fan base, but Mt. Pulaski showed once again that pressure is something they embrace, not fear. The Hilltoppers stayed composed, executed offensively, and matched the Lions shot for shot. After a fast-paced first quarter, the game was deadlocked at 17-17.
The second quarter turned into a battle in the paint. Edwards County leaned on its size advantage, featuring two 6-foot post players who made life difficult for the Hilltoppers defensively. The Lions edged ahead and took a 25-22 lead into halftime, forcing Mt. Pulaski to regroup.
Coming out of the locker room, the Hilltoppers looked like a team on a mission.
After battling a few early turnovers, Addison Brown found her rhythm in the third quarter, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that shifted the momentum. Mt. Pulaski tightened up defensively, clogging the lane and making it nearly impossible for Edwards County to get clean looks inside. The Hilltoppers’ defensive intensity flipped the script, and they carried a 36-34 lead into the fourth quarter.
That’s when they took off.
Alyson Murphy attacked the rim relentlessly, finishing through contact and setting the tone. Elayna Marten controlled the post, cleaning up missed shots and providing a steady presence inside. Olivia Smith, who had fouled out in the sectional final, delivered a poised and determined performance, dominating the boards and becoming a force down low when it mattered most.
The defining moment came with 2:26 remaining. Murphy anticipated a pass, came up with a steal, and pushed the ball ahead to extend the lead to 46-36 — a play that all but sealed it. Mt. Pulaski closed out the final minutes with composure and confidence, securing a 48-38 victory.
With the win, the Hilltoppers punched their ticket to the IHSA State Finals on Thursday at 10 a.m. at CEFCU Arena.
But this game meant more than just basketball.
The Hilltoppers wore red ribbons in honor of Matt Olsen, a beloved member of the community who passed away this past week. His family has long been a part of Mt. Pulaski, and the team carried that emotion with them onto the floor. Audrey Cooper, wearing No. 21, spoke after the game about her grandfather and what the moment meant, saying simply, “Angels Watching Over,” reflecting the heart behind the performance.
On a night filled with emotion, toughness, and community pride, Mt. Pulaski proved once again that they are playing for something bigger than themselves — and now, they’re headed to state
Audrey Cooper talks Mt.Pulaski Win and Community Support.
Elayna Marten back side bucket
Alyson Murphy AND ONE