MCC takes two from Co Lin

Lady Eagles 83
Co-Lin women 77

Meridian Community College women’s basketball coach Hilary Allen has tried to get the monkey off his back when it comes to his Lady Eagles facing South Division nemesis Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The Lady Wolves have owned MCC since the 2005-06 season, winning all seven of the meetings between the two teams- including last season’s dramatic NJCAA Region 23 championship game in Clinton, MS.

The Lady Eagles had won seven of their last eight games before Monday night’s showdown with the Lady Wolves. MCC’s lone loss in that winning streak was an 81-68 setback at Co-Lin.

The Lady Eagles had the feeling that their six game winning streak and current first place standing in the South Division wasn’t going to be validated until they were victorious over traditional power Co-Lin.

MCC took the early lead thanks to Jennifer Wair and Nadosha Strickland who both combined for 18 first half points. For Strickland, a preseason All American from Bay Springs, a mid-range jumper for two points gave her 1,000 career points while at MCC.

“NaDosha is only the second player that I’ve had to score over 1,000 career points,” said Allen.

“She’s an outstanding player that does everything well for us.”

Behind the play of their two standout sophomores, the Lady Eagles led Co-Lin 39-34 at half.

Co-Lin would climb back into the ballgame and by the 15 minute mark the Lady Wolves claimed a four point lead at 49-45.

MCC would then lean on Strickland who scored 23 of her game-high 32 points in the later half of the final period to lead MCC to a hard fought 83-77 victory over Co-Lin.

“NaDosha and Jennifer played outstanding, Jennifer had over 20 rebounds and our sophomores led us tonight no doubt,” said Allen.

Jennifer Wair added 20 points and Dana Parker chipped in 10 points for MCC.

Co-Lin was led by Kristen Ellis who had 23 points.

Meridian improved to 19-3 and 9-2 in the division, while Co-Lin fell to 14-6 and 6-5. The Lady Eagles are in first place in the MACJC South Division.

Meridian will travel to Pearl River on Thursday night.

Eagles 83
Co-Lin men 77

After winning five of their last six ballgames, Meridian’s men found themselves in a tie for second place in the South Division heading into Monday nights contest with divisional leader- Co-Lin.

MCC would enter the game trying to avenge a 79-76 loss earlier in the season to the Wolves.

Otis Williams single handedly led MCC to a 47-43 lead at half. Williamson made seven of eight three point basket attempts to help him score a game-high 27 points in the first half. As a team, MCC connected on a season-high 10 three point buckets.

In the second half, Williams and the Eagles continued to make shots from behind the 3-point line as MCC claimed a carbon copy score of the women’s game, an 83-77 win over Co-Lin.

The Eagles were led by Williams who had a career-high 34 points, while Regis Huddleston added 27.

“Our guards played well for us tonight,” said MCC coach George Brooks.

“I though in the second half we played better defense and we got a great effort from the guys,” added Brooks who’s team improved to just one game out of first place in the MACJC South Division.

Co-Lin was led by Greg Truvillion who had 25 points.

Meridian improved to 14-8 and 8-3 in the division, while Co-Lin fell to 16-6 and 9-2.

Meridian will travel to Pearl River on Thursday night.