Mexico will play in its fourth district championship game in five years.
The Bulldogs beat Centralia 72-42 on Wednesday in the Class 4 District 8 semifinals in Moberly, surging out to a 30-point lead at the end of the third quarter. Mexico seniors Jaydon Eldridge and PJ Perkins each finished with 21 points, with Eldridge hitting five 3-pointers and grabbing five rebounds and Perkins finishing with six rebounds and six assists. Kaden Benne had 10 points for Mexico (21-6), and James Matthews added nine points off the bench. Ethan Ross led Centralia (14-14) with 10 points, and Travis Brooks and Anthony Ford each followed with nine points. Ford also had 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Mexico plays No. 2 seed Hallsville (21-5) at 6 p.m. Friday for potentially its fourth district title in five years. Hallsville defeated Kirksville (17-11) 66-60 on Wednesday after four Indians scored in double figures, led by Isaac Stinson's 20 points.
Look for full stories Thursday on the Mexico Ledger website.
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