[February 11, 2013]    

By Teena Lowery

MOUNT PULASKI -- The Illini Central Cougars paid a visit to the hilltop Friday night, and they certainly left their paw prints all over the court.

The Cougars brought quite a caravan of fans into town with them and showed the folks of Mount Pulaski why they are the No. 2-ranked team in Class 1A boys basketball.

Although I have to give credit to our young Mount Pulaski team. Led by sophomore Michael Lowery's 11 points in the first quarter, the Toppers and the Cougars were all tied up at 21 following the first eight minutes. But that would be as good as it would get for the Toppers on this night.

The Cougars jumped way ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Toppers 28-7. Senior Jordan Bradshaw led Illini Central with 10 points in that second quarter. The score at the half was 49-28 as the Cougars did not come to Mount Pulaski to lose. By the end of the third quarter, Illini Central would take a commanding 65-39 lead, while rotating some of the players off the bench.

The fourth quarter saw the teams score eight points each as both MP and IC played key reserves and gave their starters some rest. At the end of the night, Illini Central was able to leave town with a 73-47 victory.

Pictures by  Teena Lowery

Mount. Pulaski's Michael Lowery lays in two of his 11 first-quarter points in Friday night action against Illini Central.

IC's Duncan McClure stuffs Brady Thomas on this shot.

 

Jordan Luczaj goes up against 6-foot-4 Duncan McClure, and yes, he did sink the basket.

IC leading scorer Jordan Bradshaw with a shot over MP's Blake Collier.

 

Brady Thomas takes a leaping shot over IC's Jordan Bradshaw.

The Cougar was busy all night pumping up the crowd but did manage to take a moment to pose for a picture.