Mexico boys basketball played in the Norm Stewart Classic again on Thursday.
The Bulldogs had the final game of the second day of the three-day event, losing their 9 p.m. contest 65-35 to Kankakee (4-1) out of Illinois. The Kays were recently ranked sixth in Class 3A and pulled away from Mexico (3-3) after only leading 14-9 after the first quarter. Mexico managed to shoot 31 percent in the first half but only 13 percent in the seconbd half for a 22 percentage overall. The Bulldogs held a 19-12 offensive rebound advantage, led by seven offensive boards from Holden Aulbur and four from PJ Perkins. Jaydon Eldridge led Mexico with 10 points and had eight rebounds, Kaden Benne finished with nine points and Aulbur and Perkins each pulled down nine rebounds. Lincoln Williams led Kankakee with 16 points and eight rebounds to earn the MVP award, Eli Stipp had 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, and Jordan Davis had 12 points.
Thursday night's game was also the first Mexico has played with a shot clock, which is being used in every game of the Classic this year.
Mexico (1-0 NCMC) hosts North Central Missouri Conference foe Kirksville (4-0) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Look for the full story in the Wednesday, Dec. 18., 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
