The Meridian Flyers used tough interior defense and hot first half shooting to keep the Muddy River Counselors from ever taking off.
After the Counselors won the JV game 34-21 on a strong team effort by turning the Flyers’ youngsters over for layups, the Meridian Varsity team was ready to show the goods.
Nate Sherman vehemently blocked Chris Purnell’s first shot from behind to set the tone of the contest. The Counselors played together, moving the ball for open shots, but shot percentage and rebounding edge went Meridian’s way as Eliot Tulip blazed for 22 first half points. His teammates weren’t cold either as Ethan Russell and Ethan Lumpkin joined the party with 11 and 7 points respectively in the first half. Meridian lead 53-14 at halftime. Sun Michael Williams had 10 points and Purnell had 4 by that time.
Muddy River did not quit as the young team played against the Flyers’ bench in the second half to pull the game to a somewhat respectable 63-42 final score. Caleb Sanders was high scorer for the Counselors ending the contest with 17 points.
Coach Willis says the Flyers have good balance and talent. “Rasberry does a great job having that team organized and utilizing their strengths.”
