The Mt. Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers are regional champions.
On Thursday, February 19 at 6 p.m., Mt. Pulaski hosted the Stewardson-Strasburg Lady Hatchets at Mount Pulaski High School for the 2026 Class 1A Regional Championship. Backed by a strong home crowd, the Hilltoppers delivered a commanding performance to secure the trophy and advance to sectional play.
Strong Opening Quarter
Mt. Pulaski wasted no time setting the tone. The Lady Hilltoppers opened the game with an aggressive drive that resulted in a layup on their first possession. Stewardson-Strasburg responded quickly with a basket of its own, but the Hilltoppers maintained control throughout the first quarter.
Both teams showcased solid defense and disciplined offensive sets early on. However, Mt. Pulaski found greater efficiency in its shot attempts, capitalizing on scoring opportunities to build momentum. By the end of the first quarter, the Hilltoppers led 18–9.
Defensive Pressure Creates Separation
The second quarter proved to be the turning point.
Mt. Pulaski tightened its defense, limiting the Hatchets’ scoring chances and forcing difficult possessions. On the offensive end, the Hilltoppers continued to execute, attacking the basket and converting high-percentage shots.
Meanwhile, Stewardson-Strasburg struggled to break through Mt. Pulaski’s defensive pressure. The Hilltoppers steadily extended their lead, heading into halftime with a decisive 33–14 advantage.
Pulling Away in the Third
Coming out of the break, the Hatchets showed brief signs of life. A few offensive rebounds led to second-chance points as Mt. Pulaski momentarily eased up on defense.
That window, however, was short-lived.
The Hilltoppers quickly regrouped, reestablishing defensive control and reigniting their offense. A mix of strong finishes at the rim and timely three-pointers pushed the lead even further out of reach. By the end of the third quarter, Mt. Pulaski had stretched the margin to 48–19, triggering a running clock in the fourth.
A Championship Celebration
With the outcome firmly in hand, the final quarter became a celebration. The Hilltoppers rotated players off the bench, giving additional athletes the opportunity to contribute in the championship atmosphere.
The energy inside the gym intensified as fans, parents, and teammates filled the building with cheers. Though the Hatchets added a few late baskets, the result was never in doubt.
As the final minute ticked away under the running clock, the crowd rose to its feet. When the buzzer sounded, the Lady Hilltoppers had officially secured the 2026 Class 1A Girls Regional Championship with a final score of 50-27.
On to Sectionals
With the regional title secured, Mt. Pulaski now turns its attention to the next round of postseason play. The Lady Hilltoppers will return to action Tuesday, February 24, at Argenta-Oreana High School in Argenta, Illinois.
There, they will face the Shiloh Tri-County Titans in the Sectional Quarterfinals as they continue their postseason journey.
The Lady Hilltoppers protected their home court—and now, their sights are set on a deeper tournament run.
#3 Elayna Marten Interview after Regional Championship Victory
#0 Addison Brown Swishing the Corner Three
#3 Elayna Marten sinking the Shot from beyond the Arch
2026 1A Regional Champions – Congratulations to Mt Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers!