By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Nov. 26, 2002
Following the debacle Saturday night in a 20-point loss to Livingston (Ala.), the Meridian High Wildcats needed a confidence boost in a big way.
Visiting West Point provided that boost Monday night at the Meridian Physical Education Building.
Playing in front of a sparse crowd, 15 of the 16 Wildcats suited up scored in the 102-51 blowout win. Meridian improves to 4-1 on the season.
Coach Donald Shirley's Lady Wildcats also ripped West Point 77-40 to win their fifth in a row.
Meridian boys 102
West Point 51
With nationally ranked and defending 4A champion Jackson Lanier coming in tonight, the Wildcats were in a need of a good workout. USM signee Jason Windom got his work done in about 2 1/2 quarters, scoring a game high 32 points.
Windom made seven three-pointers in the contest including a 5-for-5 effort in the third quarter alone. The Wildcats finished with 11-three-pointers on the night.
Some of the younger Wildcats who got extended time included sophomore Maurice Naylor who had seven points in the fourth quarter, Jacoby Davis and Cyrus McGowan.
McGowan, a 6-foot-9 post, led four Wildcats with eight points. The others included Daniel Ramsey, Reggie Cole and Chris Harris. Senior Earnest Hampton had seven points while Theo Naylor chipped in 11.
Meridian scored the game's first 15 points. It went to 34-7 following two free throws by Wildcat reserve guard Dylan Maples.
The spread reached 55-19 by the half following three-pointers by Reggie Cole and Zack Komisar. Windom then erupted for 17 points in the third quarter to help boost the lead into the 40's at 84-42.
Kerry Thomas led West Point, who is still in the 4A football playoffs, with 16 points. Lawrence Braylor had nine.
Meridian girls 77
West Point 40
The Meridian girls notched their fifth straight win by pounding West Point 77-40.
Meridian was active inside and that strength helped turn the game into a rout.
West Point got to within 13 at 41-28 but Meridian answered with three straight putback baskets on trip down the floor. Courtney Wade had two offensive rebounding scores while Valencia Hairston had one. The run made it 47-28.
The Lady Wildcats added 11 more points for a 58-28 lead with 3:34 left in the quarter. It was 64-24 at the end of three.
Hairston led Meridian with 21 points. Megan Mendiola added 11 points including six off free throws. Wade chipped in 12 and Alexis Clemons had eight.
West Point was led by Katerina Holbrook with 13 points.