The Sectional Championship matchup between Mt. Pulaski and Toledo (Cumberland) was a tense, defensive battle from start to finish, and it ultimately came down to a freshman delivering the defining moment.
The game opened at a slow pace, as the Hilltoppers struggled to find a rhythm in the first quarter. Shots refused to fall, and Cumberland took advantage inside. Alyssa Dittamore controlled the paint early, scoring consistently down low and drawing fouls on Mt. Pulaski standout Olivia Smith, forcing her into early foul trouble.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter thanks to timely shot-making from Alyson Murphy, Elayna Marten, and Addison Brown. The trio knocked down clutch baskets to give Mt. Pulaski some much-needed offense, helping the Hilltoppers build a 23–17 lead heading into halftime.
The third quarter mirrored the opening frame, with Mt. Pulaski again fighting through Cumberland’s tough zone defense. The Pirates chipped away possession by possession, and the game tightened as the fourth quarter unfolded. Late in the final period, Cumberland briefly seized the lead at 34–33, a moment that was magnified when Olivia Smith fouled out. The call sent a visible wave of disbelief through the crowd, with many fans voicing their frustration.
With their top post player sidelined, Mt. Pulaski turned to freshman Ella Martin — and she answered in unforgettable fashion. Martin attacked the basket, spinning past Dittamore for a tough finish that cut the deficit to one. After a strong defensive stand, the Hilltoppers regained possession and worked the ball around the perimeter. When it found Martin again, she was left wide open.
She didn’t hesitate.
Martin buried a three-pointer to put Mt. Pulaski back on top, 35–34, igniting the Hilltopper faithful. Alyson Murphy calmly stepped to the line moments later and knocked down two free throws to seal the victory.
Cumberland made one last push, but Mt. Pulaski’s defense held firm, securing a dramatic 37–36 win.
With the victory, Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers capture the sectional championship and advance to the Arcola Super-Sectional, where they will face a to-be-determined opponent Monday night.
Ella Martin talks sectional championship
Coach Ryan McVickers talks sectional championship heroics.
Ella Martin with the late 3-pointer for the Hilltoppers
Alyson Murphy scores a much needed bucket late for Mt.Pulaski.