Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers (Mt. Pulaski, IL) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the visiting Hartsburg-Emden Stags (Hartsburg, IL), 50-49 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Mt. Pulaski upgrades its record to 4-8 on the season. The Hilltoppers host Lincolnwood (Raymond, IL) to clash with the Lancers in a non-league bout on Tuesday, January 3. The Lancers go into the bout with a record of 9-6. Lincolnwood won 61-59 in their recent non-league bout against Athens (Athens, IL)

Next up, the Stags clash with the Athens Warriors (Athens, IL) in a Sangamo bout, on Tuesday, January 3. Hartsburg-Emden will attempt to upgrade on its 4-12 season record. The Warriors go into the bout with a 8-5 record after their 61-59 non-league loss to Lincolnwood (Raymond, IL).