“The puzzle is starting to come together.”

That how Ernie Watson viewed his Meridian High School boys team Tuesday night following their 68-45 victory over Choctaw County High School of Butler, Ala.

It was the Wildcats’ 10th win in a row as they improved to 17-9. But more importantly was the way the Wildcats ran their half-court offense 10 men deep. When the first team came off the court, the second group didn’t give the visiting Tigers an inch.

“If we keep doing this with our depth, it will be our ticket to the big house,” Watson said. “Our players are listening and playing hard. I’m really proud of these guys.”

Chris Leggett, who is averaging 24 points and 19 rebounds per game, led the way for Meridian as scored 17 against Choctaw County. Brian Pope added 15 while Chris Gamble notched 13. Addison Shock, playing with the second group, hustled up 10 points during the second half.

Choctaw County played Meridian tough in the first quarter as the Tigers posted an 18-17 lead at the break. But Meridian started taking control in the second period as the Wildcats outscored Choctaw Central 19-13 during the eight-minute span to post a 36-31 halftime lead.

Meridian pulled away from the Tigers during the third quarter and continued to build on the Wildcat lead. Leading 50-38 at the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats held Choctaw County to six points in the final stanza while tossing in 18 points.

Christopher Carter scored 12 points to lead Choctaw County while Marquell Drumond added 10. The Tigers drop to 13-16.



MHS girls 80

Choctaw Co. 29

It was obvious from the start that Choctaw County was not much of a match for the 22-5 Lady Wildcats. But coach Stephanie Murphy used the game time to experiment with players in different position.

“It’s going to help us when we get into the playoffs,” Murphy said. “But I was pleased with the intensity and way we played. We were really focused tonight.”

Meridian led 19-1 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Wildcats out pointed Choctaw County 20-12 during the second period to lead 39-13 at the intermission.

Meridian’s defense held Choctaw County to 11 points in the third period and just five during the fourth quarter. The Lady Wildcats tossed in 41 points during the second half.

Amber Walker scored 17 points to lead the Lady Wildcats while Shaurice Miller and Brittany Davidson each added 14. Moniek Smith paced Choctaw County with nine points.

Meridian will be back in action Friday night when Brandon comes to call in the final division game of the season.