Lightning struck twice for the Mexico boys as they forced overtime on Fulton’s court.

The Class 4 No. 9 Bulldogs beat Fulton 56-49 after an extra period earlier this season but wasn’t able to emerge victorious against Hallsville in Saturday’s Class 4 District 8 championship game, losing 74-70 in a rematch of last year’s matchup. Just like the end of regulation months ago, Brady Thoenen, who finished with 15 points, had an offensive putback to beat the buzzer and tie the game at 62.

Head coach Darren Pappas said it was a back-and-forth battle that carried into overtime. Among the other Bulldogs (20-8) to make key shots were Kinser Groves, who had 11 points, hitting a 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter; Groves and Kaden Benne, who had 13 points, had and-one shots in overtime, and Charlie Fisher, who led with 20 points, made a shot to put the score at 71-70 Hallsville with 22 seconds left. 

“It was a very hard fought game that could have gone either way,” Pappas said. “Hallsville made a few more defensive stops than us and had some key shots fall in overtime.”

Hallsville (21-8) scored the first five points of overtime in its first district championship victory since 1991. The Indians relied on their star backcourt of Keilin Dorman and Tatum Braman, who finished with 34 points and 24 points, respectively. They combined to shoot 15-for-19 on free throws.

“We knew Keilin Dorman and Tatum Braman were going to be Hallsville’s go-to guys and we made them tough shots but the majority of their shots were right at the rim off the dribble,” Pappas said. “Hallsville did a good job of spreading the floor and made us come out to guard/double team the ball which made us have to scramble out of traps.”

Fisher, Benne, Groves and Kelvin Watson didn’t just have an impact on their last game as Bulldogs as Pappas said they have had a big impact on the program over the last four years. He said this year was the latest great season they posted with Mexico’s third straight season of 20 wins, a district title game appearance and a North Central Missouri Conference championship. The Bulldogs won the final NCMC title before it dissolves and also won two of those three district championship games.

“We are going to miss our four seniors,” Pappas said. “They have accomplished a lot over their four-year careers and have been a huge asset to our team. They are all hard workers who set the standard high and modeled what it means to be a Bulldog daily. We wish nothing but the best for each of them and know they will have a bright future.”