Meridian, Quitman, Newton boys prep for state semifinals
Published 4:00 am Wednesday, March 11, 2015
- Quitman High School's Anterio McKines goes up for a shot during the Panthers’ game against Byhalia High School last week.
He’s no stranger to the state semifinals, but Meridian High School boys basketball coach Randy Bolden doesn’t take it for granted.
The Wildcats, winner of the MHSAA Class 6A state championship in 2011, made it to the Mississippi Coliseum that year and 2010 as well. Now, the Wildcats (28-6) have made it back to the Big House, with Starkville High School standing in their way of a berth in the state championship game Saturday.
Trending
“It’s really special,” Bolden said. “I have two seniors who have been with me since ninth grade, and it’s always a privilege to see them finish out their senior year coming to Jackson. But they also know that’s not the ultimate goal — we’re trying to win state, not just get here.”
Judging by practice this week, the players have had no problems believing Bolden’s message.
“These guys are preparing really hard,” Bolden said. “They’re going hard in practice, and they’re focused. I think they’ll be ready to go Thursday.”
Starkville is a familiar opponent, as the Wildcats faced the Yellowjackets back on Nov. 15. Meridian fell in that game 63-57 on the road, and Bolden said the teams have a familiarity with each other.
“We play them every year, and we know a great deal about each other,” he said. “There are no secrets, it’s just going to come down to which team wants it more.”
The 2014-15 season has proven to be special for Meridian, and that’s come as no surprise to Bolden, who saw its potential back in the summer.
Trending
“I’ve always felt like this team had a chance to be really special,” Bolden said. “These are good kids who came to work every day over the course of the summer. They got better every game as the season progressed, and I think they’re peaking at the right time.”
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday.
QUITMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Like Meridian, the Quitman High School boys basketball players have appeared to be intensely focused this week in practice, according to head coach Chris Coleman.
The Panthers (29-2) are set to take on Gentry High School Thursday, and Coleman said the team has had some really good practices leading up to the game.
“The guys seem focused, and we know we’re going up against a tough opponent in Gentry,” Coleman said. “They’re a physical team that plays good defense, and our guards know they’re going to be challenged more than they have been this year at the guard position. I have a focused group of kids.”
Helping matters is the fact that their female counterparts will be playing in the Class 4A state semifinal today as well.
“It’s phenomenal,” Coleman said of both teams making it to the Big House. “I’m not sure when the last time that happened was, or if it’s ever happened, but it’s a great feeling. (Girls coach Gina Skelton) is one of our biggest supporters and one of my biggest supporters when it comes to the Quitman family.”
The teams feed off each other, Coleman said, and there’s no jealously amongst the boys and girls as far as success goes.
“When you see the girls playing, the guys are in the crowd cheering and talking about the games, and it’s the same way with the girls when we’re playing,” Coleman said. “We both bring great energy to the table, and the Quitman kids are so positive toward each other.”
The school has made it to the state semifinal for the first time since 1989, when Quitman would go on to lose in the state title game. Now, the Panthers will look for a different ending, and they got off to a good start in last week’s 71-68 win against Byhalia High School. Coleman, though, said that’s all in the past.
“We came to practice (Tuesday), and none of the guys talked about that game, because that game is behind us,” he said. “We have to focus on Gentry.”
Tipoff is at 2 p.m. Thursday.
NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL
Like Quitman, Newton High School has both its boys and girls squads in the state semifinals.
The Tigers (19-11) will face Bay Springs Thursday, but not before watching the Lady Tigers play in the Class 2A semifinals as well. Head coach Darrin Gray said it’s exciting to watch both teams have so much success and still be playing.
“It says a lot about the athletic programs at Newton,” Gray said. “It also says a lot about our school, and our small community is very excited.”
The Tigers and Lady Tigers both support each other throughout the season, and Gary said that’s been a big factor in both teams’ postseason run.
“When we’re playing and winning, the girls are watching the boys, and you can see the support there,” he said. “It’s like a motivational thing, where it’s, ‘If you can do it, I can do it, too.’ It’s very important that the girls win (today) so we can take care of business Thursday.”
So far, practice has gone well leading up to the against Bay Springs, and Gray said he senses the excitement in his players.
“They’re happy to still be playing, and they’re excited about playing Bay Springs again,” Gray said, referring to a 77-58 loss back on Dec. 26. “We’ve played Bay Springs so much (in recent years) that we know what each other is going to do. Nothing will catch us by surprise, and it’s always exciting to play someone again if they beat you the first time.”
Size and athleticism stands out the most about Bay Springs, Gray said, and his players will have a huge challenge waiting for them.
“They have one of the best players in the state playing for them, and they’re a good basketball team that’s just so big and athletic,” Gray said.
The Tigers last won the state championship in 2008. Tipoff for Newton is at 10 a.m. Thursday.