The Meridian girls basketball team has been working hard to bounce back after a tough few seasons, and on Thursday, Jan. 16, they finally hit a big milestone: their 10th win of the season. The Trojans crushed Oak Harbor 51-16 at home, marking their first 10-win season since 2021-22.
“We’ve been focusing on believing in each other, playing as a team, and trusting the process,” said Meridian head coach Bree Joy. “We’ve been putting in a lot of work at practice, and while it’s great to hit 10 wins, we’ve got to stay humble and keep pushing forward.”
Defense was the key to the Trojans’ dominant win. They racked up 21 steals and four blocks as a team. Sofia Brooks was a standout with seven steals, while Melanie Short led the scoring with 11 points. The team’s depth also shined, with 11 out of 12 players contributing to the score.
“It’s awesome to see,” Coach Joy shared. “We’ve got a strong bench, and we believe in every player. When your turn comes, you’ve got to be ready. The girls are supportive, and that’s what makes this team special. This might be one of the best teams I’ve ever coached.”
Meridian started the game with a strong 12-4 run, including five quick points off steals by Brooklyn Fuller, Brooks, and Short. Coach Joy praised Fuller’s leadership, saying, “Everything starts with Brooklyn. She’s our battery, and when she leads, the whole team follows.”
The first quarter ended with a 14-0 run, giving Meridian a commanding 19-4 lead. In the second quarter, both teams struggled to score early on, but then Amelia Koning added five straight points, and Maddy Swanson hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to 36-6 by halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams having a hard time getting the ball in the basket, but Short stopped Oak Harbor’s momentum with a smooth mid-range jumper. The Trojans’ reserves finished the game in the fourth quarter, securing the victory and their 10th win of the season.
Next week, the Trojans will face a tough challenge on the road against the defending 2A state champions, Lynden, on Tuesday, Jan. 21. But Coach Joy is optimistic, saying, “We’ve got to keep bringing the energy. It’s easy to let up during the season, but this team has been through a lot the past few years. We’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now.”
