Kirksville High School got a rare varsity double-header sweep Tuesday night against Mexico. It was the Bulldogs home opener.
Both MHS squads had first-quarter leads but were unable to hold on. The Mexico girls lost 49-39, while the boys lost 83-71.
In girls action, the Mexico ladies came out strong behind determined guard play from Claire Hudson and Lexie Willer. Both MHS guards accounted for five points in the frame, as Mexico took an early 12-11 lead after one. The pace slowed in the second, but MHS maintained their lead at the half, 19-16.
The Lady Tigers came out energized in the third and took a commanding lead as they outscored Mexico in the quarter 17-6. Ellie Porter and Jada Jackson both did damage on the inside as Kirksville’s passing offense was on display.
The Mexico girls never recovered as they were outscored 16-14 in the fourth. Hudson finished with a game high 18 points, while Willer finished with 9 and Makenzie Taylor hit for 7, all in the final frame. MHS girls fell to 3-5 with the loss, 1-1 in the NCMC.
In boys action, the Tigers used a decided height advantage and a quick passing game to dissect the Bulldogs defense in their win. Mexico, #5 in Class 4, actually led by 6 early, including an 18-15 lead after one quarter. Isaac Danielson hit a long trey at the buzzer to pull Kirksville within three. He then teamed with Keaton Anderson to score 15 of the teams 24 second-quarter points and help Kirksville take a seven-point lead at the half.
Momentum was on Kirksville’s side in a loosely officiated contest, and Kirksville led by as many as 20 in the third quarter as Anderson chipped in another 10 points. After three, MHS trailed 56-40. KHS’ zone defense was stifling Mexico’s shooters.
By this time, most of Mexico’s offense was relying on individual play, but they couldn’t keep up with the Tigers, even though they outscored them 31-27 in the fourth. Most of Kirksville points in the final quarter came from Danielson as he went 14-for-14 at the line. He and Anderson had a game high 32 points each.
The Tigers, now 4-1, 2-0 in the NCMC, were 23 of 29 at the line. Mexico went 8 of 12 at the charity stripe.
The Bulldogs were led by DJ Long and Jordan Shelton, who each hit for 26 points. Anthony Shivers finished with 9, while PJ Perkins added 6 and Jaydon Eldridge scored a bucket. Mexico fell to 5-2 (1-1 in conference).