Father Tolton Takes Prime Class 4 Tussle

Father Tolton’s Trailblazers came into Thursday nights matchup with Mexico in lock-step with the Bulldogs in their march towards a berth in the Class 4 Final Four this March. Mexico plays in District 8. Father Tolton in District 9.

Tolton Catholic was 11-6. Mexico was 12-5. After a thrilling 68-62 come from behind win, the Trailblazers and Bulldogs are now both 12-6.

Father Tolton put up two straight buckets to open the game, but Mexico answered swiftly with a little run fueled by some runs to the basket by DJ Long and Jordan Shelton. MHS took their first lead at 8-7, and then saw Anthony Shivers and Jordan Shelton rain home threes to give them a 16-10 lead after one. Shelton was of the step back, buzzer beater variety.

Father Tolton took the second quarter 13-11 on a couple of demonstrative dunks from big man Evens Apollon who had 10 of his 14 points in the first half. Mexico had their biggest lead of the game, six, in the grame and still led at the break, 27-23.

Father Tolton hit two quick buckets early in the third and tied the Bulldogs at 27, but Mexico surged back ahead to hold off the Trailblazers. FTHS tied the game again at 43, before the Bulldogs went back in front 47-45 after three quarters. Shelton led the MHS charge with two treys and 10 points in the frame.

The Trailblazers started the fourth with a 1-2-2 press and Mexico obliged with two quick turnovers resulting in a 5-0 run that saw Tolton Catholic take their first lead since early in the first quarter. It was a lead they did not give up. The Bulldogs clawed back to get to 57-all, but from there they missed several open opportunities to get back in it.

Zay Wilson hit for seven points in the fourth, although going just 3 of 7 at the line, on his way to a team high 19 for Tolton. Guard James Lee added another 16.

Shelton led Mexico with a game-high 22 points, while Long has 13 and Shivers threw in 12. PJ Perkins added 8 while Jaydon Eldridge hit for 7.

MHS’ free throw shooting continues to improve as they head down the stretch. The Dawgs were 6-of-9 at the line in the game and are now 17-of their last -23 (74%).

The Junior varsity also saw their run of 7 straight wins fall, as Father Tolton took that contest 41-31.

Mexico goes on the road next Tuesday to play at Macon. The Tigers are currently 14-3.