The Meridian Mustang’s season came to an unfortunate end on Tuesday, Mar. 4, as they suffered a loss to Petersburg 102-45 in the first round of the state tournament. Despite the bitter ending, the season was overall a great success, with an overall record of 20-6, and three players making All-District and All-Region teams.
Seniors Will Davis and Marques Myles made first team and second team All-District/All-Region respectively, while junior Mason Pye made first team All-District/All-Region.
Head coach Jim Smith expressed his pride in these players, saying: “Recognition should go to Will Davis and Mason Pye for making first team All-District and All-Region, as well as Marques Myles making second team All-District and All-Region.”
The team had a lot of senior leadership, with five on the roster this season.
“I want to applaud my seniors Will Davis, Marques Myles, Jahan Smith, Jesper Pender, Emiglio Icabalceta for their leadership and hard work,” Coach Smith said.
This year, the Mustangs made the states tournament three consecutive years for the first time in the school’s history, and several of these seniors were on the team for all three of those years. There is no substitute for experience, and the Mustangs will sorely miss these players.
The Mustangs also lacked depth relative to other seasons. Coach Smith expressed his desire for a deeper roster next season.
“For various reasons we were not as deep this year as years past. We will need more players to develop into Varsity level players if we are going to be able to run and pressure people as we have in past years. Skill work will also be a priority in the off season” coach Smith commented.
While the season may have not ended how the Mustangs would’ve liked, the team still put together an impressive campaign, continuing to uphold Meridian’s ever-growing reputation in basketball.
“[We had] some great wins over Skyline, Mt Vernon and Fauquier, finished second in the region and qualified for states for a third consecutive year… I want to thank Mustang nation for the great support this season,” coach Smith reflected.
