On Saturday morning, March 7 at 10 a.m., the Mt. Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers and the Dee-Mack Chiefs took the court one final time during the 2026 basketball season, meeting in the Class 1A State Championship game. The energy inside the arena was electric as friends, family, and fans from both communities filled the stands, erupting with cheers as the teams were introduced.
Both teams had poured months of hard work, determination, and sacrifice into reaching this moment. Every player stepped onto the court knowing this was the final game of the season and an opportunity to leave everything they had on the floor. The Hilltoppers fought hard throughout the contest, but ultimately fell to the Chiefs with a final score of 49–34.
First Half
From the opening tip, the atmosphere inside the arena was incredible. The crowd was loud, the stands were shaking, and the excitement was impossible to ignore as the championship game got underway.
Dee-Mack gained possession on the opening tip and quickly pushed the ball down the court looking to score, but Mt. Pulaski responded with strong defensive play. Although the Hilltoppers struggled early to get their first basket to fall, they kept Dee-Mack from adding to the scoreboard until they were able to get points of their own.
The first half was intense and highly competitive. Both teams played with passion and aggression, clearly determined to leave everything on the court. Momentum swung back and forth throughout the half as each team went on short runs and multiple lead changes kept the crowd on edge.
In the closing seconds before halftime, Mt. Pulaski managed to regain the lead. The Hilltoppers headed into the locker room ahead 19–16 after an exciting and hard-fought opening half.
Second Half
The second half brought a shift in momentum.
Mt. Pulaski returned to the floor ready to battle for the final 16 minutes of their season, but Dee-Mack came out determined to respond. The Chiefs tightened their defense and began applying heavy pressure, making it difficult for the Hilltoppers to find open looks or easy scoring opportunities.
As the half progressed, Dee-Mack found their rhythm offensively and went on a scoring run that allowed them to take the lead. Mt. Pulaski continued to battle defensively, but the intensity of the game led to several fouls, sending the Chiefs to the free-throw line.
Dee-Mack capitalized on those opportunities, consistently converting their free throws and gradually extending their lead. Despite the growing deficit, the Hilltoppers never stopped fighting. They continued to hustle, defend, and push the pace until the final buzzer sounded.
In the end, Mt. Pulaski fell to the Dee-Mack Chiefs 49–34 in the Class 1A State Championship game.
A Season to Remember
The Mt. Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers finished the season with an incredible 33–2 record, an achievement that reflects the dedication, teamwork, and determination shown by the entire program.
As the game concluded, friends, family, and fans applauded the Hilltoppers for an unforgettable season. The team was recognized on the court as they received their State Runner-Up trophy and medals.
The moment was filled with emotion—tears, smiles, laughter, and hugs shared between teammates, coaches, and supporters. Above all else, one feeling stood out among everyone connected to the program: pride.
Congratulations to the Mt. Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers on an outstanding 33–2 season and a memorable run to the Class 1A State Championship.
Post Game Interview with Coach McVickers
Post Game Interview with Alyson Murphy and Elayna Marten
Alyson Murphy with the AND-1 for Mt Pulaski
Addison Brown with a Corner Three for Mt Pulaski
Alyson Murphy with the Steal and Lay-Up for Mt Pulaski
Elayna Marten with the Shot off the Backboard for Mt Pulaski
