Big quarter lifts Wildcats over Pirates

Published 7:14 am Wednesday, January 21, 2026

PEARL — All it took for Meridian was one big quarter.

The Wildcats scored 28 points in the second quarter enroute to a 65-31 thumping of Pearl in a key Region 3-7A matchup on Tuesday night.

“I thought in the second quarter we shot the ball really well, made some shots, and we had the size advantage,” said Meridian head coach Ron Norman. “When we’re making shots, we’re a really good team.”

It was a back-and-forth first quarter that saw Meridian hold a slim 15-11 lead.

The second quarter was the difference in the game, and it was all Wildcats.

Meridian outscored Pearl 28-4 to take a commanding 43-15 halftime lead that was highlighted by a 17-0 run midway through the quarter.

In the third quarter the Wildcats went on a 12-4 run to begin the quarter to take a 55-19 lead, enhance the running clock and seal the game.

Another key factor was Meridian was coming off a loss to Gulfport on Monday 54-50 at the Laurel MLK Classic, so seeing a response was a point of emphasis.

“Kids came out and took care of business especially after loss yesterday,” Norman said. “The guys responded well, I really liked the walk through we did today, came into tonight focused and really proud of the guys responding well.”

Derrick Watts had a game-high 15 points to lead Meridian, while Demontae Powe added 11 points for the Wildcats (12-8, 4-1 Region 3-7A).

Meridian continues region play on Thursday as they travel to Petal.

“We’re playing three games in four days, and all on the road. We’ve got eight straight road games, so if we can get through this stretch at .500, I’ll be happy,” Norman said. “This is the time of the year where teams have to gel and I am hoping we keep getting better day after day.”

Jalen Stringfellow had 12 points to lead Pearl (10-13, 2-5).

Girls

Meridian 48, Pearl 30

Kimora Hughes had 14 points as the Lady Wildcats (10-11, 4-1 Region 3-7A) raced past the Lady Pirates.