Hilltoppers defeat Lincolnwood on Senior Night

 

[February 10, 2025]  It was a great night on the hilltop Friday night as Mount Pulaski honored their seniors in basketball, cheerleading, pep band, scholastic bowl and esports.

On the basketball court the team played a very physical contest, similar to that of a wrestling match, with Mount Pulaski earning the most points. The Hilltoppers were successful in the takedown of the Raymond Lincolnwood Lancers by a final score of 53-44.

Eric Cooper took a beating in the lane and still managed to lead Mount Pulaski with 18 points.

Franklin Wade tossed in 17 points for the Hilltoppers.

Donny Daugherty led Lincolnwood with 17 points.

The Lancers took a 13-10 lead early over Mount Pulaski in the first quarter but the Hilltoppers used a strong second quarter to take a 26-18 lead into the locker room.

After three quarters the Hilltoppers remained on top, 43-33.

Wade’s eight points in the fourth quarter, which included 4-for-4 from the free throw line, secured the 53-44 victory.

In the JV game the Lancers beat out Mount Pulaski 42-38. Aaron Volle led the Hilltoppers with 10 points.

Senior Night recognition

In between the games, seven seniors were recognized for their dedication to their respective sports. Along with their parents, the students received a round of applause as Athletic Director Johnathan Jordan read their accomplishments, future plans and favorite memories to the crowd.

A special shout out to the Varsity Scholastic Bowl team, led by senior Maggie Doherty.

Incidentally, Doherty led the Tomahawk Conference in scoring last year as a junior.

The Scholastic Bowl team currently has a 13-1 record and recently swept three matches in impressive fashion.

Mount Pulaski beat Midwest Central 240-90, Illini Bluffs 220-90 and Hartsburg-Emden 260-20.

Mount Pulaski has sole possession of first place in the Tomahawk Conference after these wins. The team is coached by Amanda Doherty, who says these kids are just “crazy smart.”

Mount Pulaski seniors recognized for their dedication to MPHS on Senior Night. Photo by Teena Lowery

And a special mention of Joseph Jenkins, who entered the gymnasium to a very loud applause Friday night. Aside from Jenkins’ commitment to Scholastic Bowl and esports in high school, the senior has joined the Illinois Army National Guard. He will attend Illinois State University and would like to become a military officer someday.

Congratulations to all of these outstanding seniors!

Seniors

Tanner Bishop ~ Basketball

Lamarion Solomon ~ Basketball

Chasey Stewart ~ Cheerleading

Patience Woodford ~ Pep Band and Scholastic Bowl

Maggie Doherty ~ Scholastic Bowl

Joseph Jenkins ~ Scholastic Bowl and esports

Alexander Rhoades ~ esports

Varsity scoring
Mount Pulaski 53
Cooper 18
Wade 17
Solomon 8
Bishop 4
Martin 4
Kretzinger 2

Lincolnwood 44
Daugherty 17
Armentrout 8
Elvidge 6
Cook 6
Hayes 5
Gilpin 2

JV scoring
Mount Pulaski 38
Volle 10
Kretzinger 6
Charron 6
Wyler 6
Olson 5
Tschantz 5

Lincolnwood 42
Cowdrey 12
Ganther 8
Pope 8
Armentrout 5
Clavin 3
Whalen 2
Hefley 2
Thomas 2

[Teena Lowery]