The Mexico boys earned a trophy for Christmas.

For three days this weekend, the Class 4 No. 7 Bulldogs played in Rolla’s Holiday Hoops tournament and earned third place for the second straight year, picking up a trophy for all three years they’ve played in this tournament. Mexico defeated Class 5 Warrensburg 62-60 on Sunday, and Charlie Fisher made the all-tournament team after averaging 15.7 points, 3.3 assists, three steals, 38.5% shooting on 3-pointers and 60% shooting on 2-pointers. 

Mexico trailed Warrensburg 32-28 at halftime but finished with a 32-26 edge in the paint and 12-6 on second chance points. Fisher led with 13 points and had three assists, Brady Thoenen had 13 points, eight rebounds and three 3-pointers, James Matthews had 13 points and two 3-pointers, Matai Holman finished with nine points and five assists, and Quincy Bruce had six points and five assists. 

In the semifinals on Saturday, Mexico lost 72-54 to Class 2 No. 2 Eugene 72-54 for its second loss against the Eagles this season. Eugene took control by outscoring Mexico 45-31 in the second half, shooting 63% and outrebounding Mexico 20-8 on the defensive glass. Fisher led Mexico with 17 points and three 3-pointers and had two steals, Kinser Groves finished with 17 points, and Holman had eight points.

In a 60-31 against Rolla JV on Friday, Mexico shot 51%, had the edge 16-7 in assists and 15-5 in steals and took a 20-2 lead after the first quarter. Thoenen led with 18 points, eight rebounds, four 3-pointers and three steals, Fisher finished with 17 points, six steals and six assists, and Holman had eight points, two 3-pointers and two steals.

Mexico (3-0 NCMC) plays at North Central Missouri Conference rival Fulton (3-3, 2-0 NCMC) at 8 p.m. Tuesday.