Rep. Halbrook Congratulates St. Anthony 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team on State Championship

SHELBYVILLE, IL – State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is congratulating the St. Anthony seventh-grade boys basketball team after the Bullpups won the Illinois Elementary School Association 7th Grade Class 2A State Championship.

The Bullpups defeated the Winchester Cougars in the state title game on February 5 at Meridian High School in Macon to bring home the championship and make their school and community proud.

“Congratulations to the St. Anthony Bullpups on an outstanding season and a well-earned state championship,” said Rep. Halbrook. “Winning a state title takes talent, discipline, hard work, and teamwork. These young men, their coaches, and their families should all be incredibly proud of this achievement.”

Members of the championship team, pictured and named below, were led by head coach Jason Ludwig and assistant coach John Hoene with team managers are Jackson Hann, Owen Gillenwater, and Ben Ludwig.

“This is a special accomplishment for these student-athletes and for the entire St. Anthony community,” Halbrook said. “I want to wish them continued success in the classroom, in sports, and in all their future endeavors.”

The St. Anthony seventh-grade boys basketball team poses for a portrait after the Bullpups defeated the Winchester Cougars in the state championship of the Illinois Elementary School Association 7th Grade Class 2A State Tournament at Meridian High School, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Macon, Ill. Pictured (l-r, first row) are manager Jackson Hann, Will Ludwig, James Dust, Jude Flach, Henry Bierman, James Gilmore, Parker Meinhart and manager Owen Gillenwater. Pictured (l-r, second row) are head coach Jason Ludwig, manager Ben Ludwig, Will Hamilton, Ryan Wohltman, Brooks Niebrugge, Paxton Nosbisch, Nash Hoene, Colin Storm, Beckett Sams and assistant coach John Hoene. (Submitted Photo)