By Brandon Shields

 

TERRY — For Meridian and Terry this early in the season it’s about finding the right pieces.

 

So, it’s all about being patient for both squads, but on Tuesday night Terry came away at the end.

 

Behind a strong third quarter the Bulldogs were able to hold off Meridian 53-45 in a key non-division contest of teams who reached the Mississippi Coliseum last season.

 

“The main thing for us is we wanted to come out and get stops. We got to pride ourselves on defense this season,” said Terry coach Chris Parker. “We got a group of guys who are learning how to play well together and be a real team. We got to play team defense and holding the other team who’s well coached to 45 points isn’t bad. We were ready for what they were trying to do and try to make it tough on them to score.”

 

The Bulldogs (1-3) never trailed.

 

Terry jumped out to a 12-4 lead to begin the first quarter and eventually held a slim 17-11 lead at the end of quarter.

 

To begin the second quarter Meridian went on a 9-4 run to cut the Bulldog lead down to 21-20, but Terry ended the half on a 7-3 run to hold a 28-23 lead at halftime.

 

The beginning of the second half was the difference as Terry opened the third quarter on an 11-0 run to take a commanding 39-23 lead.

 

The Wildcats did end the quarter on a 11-4 run to cut the lead down to 43-34 heading to the final frame.

 

In the fourth quarter every time Meridian cut into the Bulldog lead Terry had an answer as the Wildcats never cut into the lead below eight points.

 

Juccurin Jefferson had 17 points to lead Terry, while Jaylan Spruill added 14 points and Kamel Wiggins chipped in 11 points for the Bulldogs.

 

“We had the size advantage going into the game, but against a well-coached team they weren’t going to let us get the ball in the paint and attack us in the back court,” Parker said. “We had to utilize the pressure, not let them speed us up and once we break it, we got the big man. Our guards did a good job of that in the second half and just settled down. Once we find our identity the sky is the limit for this team, and we’re getting big games from different players.”

 

Demonte Powe had 14 points to lead Meridian, while Novik Brown and William Davidson added nine points each for the Wildcats (0-3).

 

“They really got after us and I promise we’re going to turn the corner. We’ve started off with Columbus, Starkville, and Terry. Three really good and well coached teams,” said Meridian coach Ron Norman. “We just got get better and do some soul searching. I think we’re going to be a better team down the road. We started this way last year and at the end look what happened, so we’re going to put our hard hat on and get to work.”

 

Girls

Meridian 28, Terry 25

 

Kimora Hughes had a game-high 13 points as the Lady Wildcats (3-1) held on to beat the Lady Bulldogs.