By By Jamie Sullivan/The Meridian Star
Nov. 9, 2001
QUITMAN The Meridian Wildcats won in fine fashion Thursday night, knocking off Quitman 75-62.
The Panthers of Quitman played the Wildcats hard the first two quarters, however, Meridian led by Theo Naylor proved to be too much for Quitman.
When MHS Head Coach Ernie Watson was asked if he was surprised at the efforts of Quitman he said, "Oh no! Quitman plays well here, and they have a good ball club. We don't play well down here. Steve does a good job with the kids, and we knew it was gonna be a dog fight with or without a full squad."
After out scoring the Wildcats in the first quarter, the Panthers began to unwravel, as Meridian took the lead into the halftime break 42-37.
The Wildcats came into the third quarter with higher spirits than they departed with going into halftime. The Wildcats scored 15 points compared to 10 for Quitman to take a 10-point lead into the final period.
Meridian scored 18 more points in the fourth period to put away Quitman 75-62.
The Wildcats were led in scoring by Theo Naylor with 20, Fred Cole 16, and Jamaine Winfield with 10.
Quitman was led in scoring by Jason Pearson with 25, Lonnie McGee 14, and Lorenzo white dropped 11.
The Wildcats will hit the hard wood again Tuesday at Quitman for the Quitman Classic. They will play Harrison Central. While 0-2 Quitman will travel to Laurel on Saturday.
Women
Meridian 56
Quitman 48
The Lady Panthers dropped a heartbreaker to Quitman Thursday night, as they lost 56-48.
After leading 23-19 at halftime, the Lady Panthers could not hold on, as the Lady Wildcats dropped 21 points to regain the lead in the third quarter.
The Lady Wildcats took the lead late in the third quarter, and never look back, as they out scored QHS 37-25 in the final two quarters.
Shaquila Mack led the way for the Lady Panthers, as she dropped 20 points.
Other scorers for the Lady Panthers were Shalanda Carter with eight, and Kemonica McGee added seven.
The Lady Wildcats were led in scoring by Stephaine Mosley 19, Valencia Hairston 14, and Megan Mendiola added 13.
The 2-2 Lady Wildcats travel back to Quitman Tuesday to face Harrison Central in the Quitman Classic, and the 1-3 Lady Panthers will travel to Laurel on Saturday.