In an action-packed game against the Kettle Run Cougars on Wednesday, Jan 7, the Meridian Mustangs boys basketball team emerged victorious through their hard-fought defense and persistent offense, bringing their record up to 6-1.
The Mustangs started the first quarter on fire, putting up an impressive 15 points early on, while holding the Cougars to just five. However, their early surge began to taper off as the quarter went on, letting up 10 points and ending the quarter 19-15.
“We knew Kettle Run would be a tough opponent. They are a district and regional opponent, and have good size and some athletic players,” head coach John Smith reflected.
The Mustangs put the coach’s worries to rest in the second quarter, scoring 19 points through a combination of clever passing plays and a couple threes, all while dominating the glass on both ends of the court, sending them into halftime with a 34-21 lead.
The third quarter was yet another brilliant display from Meridian, the ‘Stang’s making short work of the Cougars. Meridian let up just six points the entire quarter, while scoring 20 of their own, snuffing any hopes of a comeback.
With a 30-point lead going into the 4th quarter, Meridian showed no sign of slowing down.
The Mustangs continued to widen the gap, closing out the game in style. Senior Will Davis led the offensive end, scoring 21 points via seven threes.Following the win, coach Smith was thrilled. “I am very pleased with how we played. Excellent start to the game. Great energy. Very good 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach. We shot 9/15 from three and forced 17 turnovers. When we do that we are tough to beat,” Smith commented.
