It has been a rough few seasons for the Meridian girls basketball program. But on Thursday, Jan. 16, the Trojans earned their first 10-win season since 2021–22 after defeating Oak Harbor 51-16 at home.
“It has been about belief, playing together and trusting the system,” Meridian coach Bree Joy said. “We are working hard at practice and want to be peaking at the end. It is nice to have 10 wins now but we’ve got to stay humble and work hard.”
The Trojans dominated the Wildcats on the defensive end of the game, getting 21 steals and four blocks as a team. Sofia Brooks led the Trojans with seven steals while Melanie Short was the leading scorer with 11 points.
In addition, 11 out of 12 Meridian players scored a point against Oak Harbor.
“It’s great,” Joy said. “We have 12 on our bench and we believe in all of them. Next time your number is called, you have to step up and these girls are encouraging and engaged. It is one of the best teams I have ever coached.”
Meridian started the game on a 12-4 run, including scoring five straight points from three consecutive steals by Brooklyn Fuller, Brooks and Short.
“It all starts with Brooklyn,” Joy said. “We feed off her as she is our battery. I told them, let’s start the game with a steal. And we did that and came out hot shooting. Our defense leads to offense.”
Meridian finished the first quarter on a 14-0 run to take a 19-4 lead. In the second quarter, both teams struggled to score in the first couple of minutes. Amelia Koning then scored five straight points and Maddy Swanson nailed a 3-pointer to give Meridian a 36-6 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, both offenses struggled. Oak Harbor scored a couple of baskets before Short ended their run with a mid-range jumper.
The reserves finished the game in the fourth quarter and guided the Trojans to their 10th win. Meridian will be tested next week on the road at defending 2A state champion Lynden at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.
“We’ve got to bring the energy every day,” Joy said. “It is easy to go stagnant during the season, but I think this team has been through the trenches the last few years with Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley, and see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
