Mount Pulaski boys end season to the No. 1 ranked team in the state

[February 25, 2017]  The Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers 2016-17 season ended in the Class 1A Regional Championship Friday night at the Ed Butkovich Gymnasium. The Hilltoppers lost 46-35 to Colfax Ridgeview, who boast a 28-1 record on the season and not only that, they are the No. 1 ranked team in Class 1A basketball.

The Hilltoppers chased the Mustangs for 32 minutes but could never catch them. Ridgeview held a 17-8 first quarter advantage over the Hilltoppers.

Mount Pulaski managed to edge closer in the second quarter with every starter contributing points.

Despite Mount Pulaski’s team effort, Ridgeview still held onto the 27-21 lead at halftime. The Hilltoppers continued to stay in the game and only trailed 38-30 as the third quarter buzzer sounded.

Ridgeview held the Mount Pulaski offense to just five points in the final quarter and the Mustangs ability to shut down a team that is used to shooting the three was key.

The Hilltoppers managed to make just 2 three-point baskets all night long.

Tyler McCormick for Ridgeview sank 5 threes on the night and led his team to the 46-35 regional championship win.

McCormick scored 22 points to lead all scorers.

Mount Pulaski’s leading scorers were Gezus Oliver and Lukas Aylesworth, who finished with 9 points apiece.

Mount Pulaski ends their season with a 17-12 record.

Senior Lukas Aylesworth scored 9 points in his last game as a Hilltopper.  Mount Pulaski fell to Colfax Ridgeview 46-35 in the Class 1A Regional Championship.

Mount Pulaski 35

Oliver 9
Aylesworth 9
Kretzinger 7
Taylor 6
Huff 4

Colfax Ridgeview 46

McCormick 22
Donaldson 10
Young 6
Graham 5
Kelly 3

[Teena Lowery]

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