Mexico basketball had the chance to play on a bigger court on Friday, literally and figuratively. The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs played back-to-back games in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, with the Bulldogs facing Ewing Marion Kauffman and the Lady Bulldogs taking on School of the Osage.
The Bulldogs won 58-42 thanks to a 20-11 third quarter, outrebounding Kauffman 49-36 and blocking seven shots. DJ Long was named the Gary Filbert MVP after finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, five steals and five assists, PJ Perkins was formidable against a smaller Knights team with 13 points, 16 rebounds (six offensive), and three blocks, and Kaden Benne had 10 points and five rebounds.
The Lady Bulldogs lost 53-28 to Osage after struggling with their size, being outrebounded 35-23 (15-4 in offensive rebounds), and committing 21 turnovers. Lauren Bartlett was the Gary Filbert MVP for Osage due to 12 points and eight rebounds while Elizabeth Yoder hit five 3-pointers. For Mexico, Claire Hudson led with 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals, Karlee Sefrit had four points, and Jo Thurman had three points and five steals
Look for the full stories in the Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
