By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Nov. 7, 2001
The Meridian High School boys basketball team face several challenges in the 2001-2002 season.
First, the Wildcats are not very big. Secondly, they will face another tough schedule which includes a month-long road stretch which begins with Thursday's game at Quitman.
Meridian opened its season with an impressive 70-48 romp past Noxubee County last Saturday night at home. The Wildcats displayed a deep ball club with 11 different players scoring.
Meridian's strategy for the season will be to attack teams in waves. They will start their big unit and then come in with the gnat attack which features five quick guards.
With this in line, Meridian will try to wear down its opponents with a tenacious defense, both full-court and half-court.
Meridian also showed an exciting perimeter game led by wings Fred Cole and Tony Dunn.
Cole dropped in three, three-pointers in the opening quarter while Dunn had one to go with a basket and three free throws.
Meridian's inside game will be powered by post players Jamaine Winfield and Theo Naylor. Both are in the 6-foot-3 range. Cole can also slide into a post role if the Wildcats get into foul problems.
Keno Leflore runs the show from the point guard position.
Off the bench, the gnat attack is led by Josh Walker, Mark Walker, Daniel Ramsey and Quonn Carlisle.
A challenging schedule awaits Meridian. The club will also take part in a pair of out-of-state tournaments during the Christmas break.
The Wildcats will again travel to Poplar Bluff, Mo. They finished third in last year's elite tournament. They will also venture to play in a tournament in Lake Charles, La.
Jeff Byrd is a sports writer for the Meridian Star. He can be reached at 693-1551 or by e-mail at jbyrd@themeridianstar.com.