With an impressive 26-9 record and a sectional championship under their belts this season, the Meridian Senior High Basketball program continues to establish itself as a perennial contender on the hardwood.

"We made it to the super sectionals, but lost in overtime to St. Anthony out of Effingham," explains Head Coach David Davis, who also serves as a Physical Education teacher at Meridian. "It was a fun event for sure."

The program's recent success is part of a remarkable three-year run that has seen the Bobcats qualify for the state series each season. This achievement is especially noteworthy given the program's constant evolution.

"I feel like every year we rebuild," Coach Davis notes. "Everything that comes from the lower level, we have to mold and put in place. We have a lot to do from that eighth to ninth grade jump."

Assistant Coach Malcolm Larry, who also serves as Head Coach for the Junior Varsity team and teaches fifth grade, agrees with this assessment.

"Every year is a rebuild because every team has been different," Coach Larry explains. "Our first year, we rolled with Roger Greenwood Jr. all the way to the super sectional game. Last year we had one of the biggest teams around here in a while. This year was predominantly guard oriented."

The program features approximately 18 players across three teams—varsity, junior varsity, and freshman/sophomore—with some athletes playing at multiple levels. Four coaches join Davis and Larry on the staff: Joshua Jones (sophomore coach), Jamari O'Moore (freshman coach), Kenny Grundy (strength and conditioning coach), and volunteer coach Deontre Mitchell.

Junior Max Russell, who transferred to Meridian from Massac County, has embraced the program's culture.

"I love it. It's a lot better atmosphere to be in," Russell shares. "Players, coaches, everything perfect."

Sophomore Lutans Johnson, who Coach Larry has had the privilege of coaching since fifth grade, echoes this sentiment.

"It was good. We had to have more chemistry build up, but that comes along in the season," Johnson reflects. "Once we got to know each other, play with each other more, we got more connected. Everyone sees each other as brotherhood, and it's all together as one team."

This family-like atmosphere is a point of pride for the coaching staff and a key ingredient in the team's success.

"It's like a family here," Coach Larry emphasizes. "Nobody cares who scores the most points or has a big game. One night it might be him, one night it might be him. But I promise you, they all are happy for each other."

The Bobcats' unselfish approach has become their calling card and has helped the program reach new heights. Meridian has come tantalizingly close to a state championship multiple times, finishing second in 1972, 2015, and 2024.

During the off-season, players stay active primarily through AAU basketball while also participating in weight training and summer circuits organized by the school.

"Pretty much everybody plays AAU," Coach Davis explains. "Everybody makes sure they're constantly playing. Our biggest thing is just don't sit at home and do nothing."

As the program looks toward next season, Coach Larry has a message for community members who might not have seen the team in action.

"Just know that when they see Meridian Bobcats play basketball, that's probably some of the most unselfish basketball you're gonna see," he says. "It's gonna be balls to the walls, hard nose, tough. If they haven't seen us play, they might want to come watch us next year."

With their blend of talent, teamwork, and dedicated coaching, the Meridian Bobcats have established themselves as not just a basketball team, but a program building young men of character—one season, one game, one practice at a time.