A few minutes were pivotal in the Mexico boys' Class 4 state quarterfinal game in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon.
After cutting No. 1 and defending state champion Vashon's lead to 32-28 with around 3:30 left in the second quarter, the Wolverines made a run to take a 48-35 halftime lead and then win 87-51. Vashon advanced to their sixth straight Final Four while Mexico falls in its third quarterfinal in four years, finishing with its best record (27-3) since its 28-1 season two years ago.
"That was a momentum shift," head coach Darren Pappas said. "We couldn't sustain a run or get a stop when we needed it or get a bucket when we needed it. There's a reason why they've won so many state titles, there's a reason why they're ranked No. 1 in Class 4 and nationally ranked too so we don't want to hold our heads down. We've had a heck of a season. Eventually we'll get over the hump."
The Bulldogs carried a 16-game winning streak into Saturday's game against Vashon's 10-game winning streak and appeared to find some weakness in the Wolverines (24-6) in the second quarter. DJ Long, who finished with 22 points and five rebounds in his final game as a Bulldog, knocked down two 3-pointers in the quarter and hit two free throws that preceded two free throws by Kaden Benne, who had 10 points.
PJ Perkins had eight points, four rebounds and three assists for Mexico, Charlie Fisher added five points and Donye Nunnelly finished with four points and three rebounds in his final game as a Bulldog.
Dehrio McCaskill showed his brimming athleticism that meshes well with an athletic Vashon roster by grabbing some key rebounds to spark the Wolverines' run going into halftime. McCaskill finished with 13 points and six rebounds and was one of five Vashon players in double figures, including Nassir Binion at 25 points, Christian Williams at 14 points and four 3-pointers, Trey Williams Jr. at 13 points and three 3-pointers, and Jordyn Richard at 10 points.
Look for the full story and recap of this season from head coach Darren Pappas in the Wednesday, March 13, 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
