[February 02, 2013]    

Oh, what a Thursday night at the Mount Pulaski gymnasium. It was Senior Night for the Lady Toppers, who were feeling the energy from the pumped-up crowd. In return, the ladies gave the crowd quite a show to remember on their special evening. The ladies defeated the Illini Central Cougars 103-23. Of special note is Erika Leever's outstanding performance in the first quarter. She scored 18 points in that quarter, with her final basket putting her into the elite 1,000-point club. It was a quick layup off a steal that brought the cheering crowd to its feet as they had eagerly anticipated every shot she took. She is only the eighth girl in Mount Pulaski girls basketball history to reach that milestone.

In addition to Leever's feat, three of the other Lady Topper seniors also scored in double figures. Andrea Dickerson led the team with 28 points, while Leever finished the night with 26 points. Jessica Awe tallied 23 points and Kendra Willoughby hit the 10-point mark. Rounding out the senior scoring was Emily Johnston with nine points. Whitney Nichols chipped in seven points off the bench.

The Lady Toppers finish the regular season with a 24-4 record. They will play Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the regional at Jacksonville Routt.

Pictures by Teena Lowery

Seniors Jessica Awe and Erika Leever play some close defense on Illini Central.

Jessica Awe is ahead of the pack, scoring two of her 23 points.

 

Erika Leever had a spectacular evening, scoring 18 first-quarter points.

Erika Leever's 1000th point is captured by Teena Lowery. "Four photographers in the gym and I had the ref in my way!" she said.

 

Coach Eric Leever calls a timeout following the 1000th point to give daughter Erika a chance to catch her breath.


Coach Leever shares a moment with his seniors on the bench during Thursday night's win.

Senior Kendra Willoughby tosses in two points in second-quarter action.