RIDGELAND — Meridian coach Ron Norman just wanted to see his team play with resiliency.

The Wildcats showed they have the ability to do just that.

Behind the play of seniors Miles Miller and Tyron Brewer, Meridian held off Madison Prep (La.) 50-45 in the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic Wednesday night.

Madison Prep (10-2) entered the game ranked fourth nationally by MaxPreps’ computer rankings.

Meridian (16-1) plays Cleveland Central (10-2) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. 

“Coming off the holidays and playing a really good team, we made enough down the stretch to win it,” Norman said. “The kids said we weren’t going to lose and not go down without a fight.”

Down 16-9 at the end of the first quarter, the Wildcats started the second quarter on a 16-7 run to take a 25-23 lead midway through, and would not trail beyond that point.

Miller had a team-high 12 points to lead Meridian.

“It was a great challenge playing against a well-respected team nationally, but it’s a good win so we know where we stand,” Miller said. “Coach told us at the end of first quarter to get stops and score, and that’s what we did to pull out the win.”

Tyron Brewer added 11 points for the Wildcats, while Jamond Gordon chipped in with eight points.

“We started out pretty sloppy, but I knew if we just executed later on, we would be just fine,” Brewer said. “Their strong point was getting to the basket, so we had to contain that, and just make them shoot long 3-pointers, and we did.”

Sophomore forward KeEdrick Armstead tallied nine points for Meridian and stepped up in key moments with rebounds.

“He was really big for us; I am super proud of that kid,” Norman said. “He stepped up to the moment and embraced his role, and (he) does what we ask to do. He’s going to be really good in the future.” 

RICHLAND BOYS 61, WEST LAUDERDALE 58 

Isaiah Patrick scored 17 points to lead the Rangers past the Knights.

Greg Knox and Da’nay Johnson added 12 points each for the Rangers (5-4).

Ledarius Portis had a game-high 21 points to lead West Lauderdale (10-3).

MERIDIAN GIRLS 44, RAYMOND 35 

Jabresha Smith scored a team-high 12 points as the Lady Wildcats (8-6) got past the Lady Rangers.