Even though the Mexico boys hadn't played in a week and ended up scoring a season-low on Thursday, the Bulldogs had several step up late to defeat North Central Missouri Conference foe Kirksville for the third time this year, eliminating the Tigers in the Class 4 District 8 semifinals in Centralia. Mexico will play for its third district title in four years at 1 p.m. Saturday against host Centralia (17-11).
The high-octane Bulldogs (25-2) adjusted to a slower pace game after going more than a week without game due to receiving a bye as the top seed. Mexico maintained a 22-15 lead over Kirksville (17-9) at halftime and fended off the Tigers and their five second-half 3-pointers with big contributions from a certain duo.
Jaydon Eldridge finished with 23 points and five rebounds, and PJ Perkins had 12 points, but more importantly, the pair combined for 27 points in the second half. Perkins scored all of his after halftime, and Eldridge finished with four 3-pointers. DJ Long added 11 points and five assists.
Cole Kelly led Kirksville with 15 points and three 3-pointers, Justin McKim had 13 points, nine rebounds and three 3-pointers and Gavin Pike added 12 points.
Look for the full story on the Mexico Ledger website on Saturday morning.
