In the gymnasium at Meridian Junior High, Coach Chauncey Hughes is orchestrating something special—a basketball program built on fundamentals, teamwork, and a long-term vision that stretches well beyond a single season.

With 23 players divided between junior varsity and varsity squads, the team finished this year with a 13-15 record. But as Coach Hughes is quick to point out, "We're in a rebuilding year." It's actually the second year of a carefully planned rebuilding process that began when the program started incorporating fourth graders due to limited numbers at the upper grades.

The roster features just five eighth graders, supplemented by several seventh and sixth graders who dress for varsity games. Some players are experiencing organized basketball for the first time, including one eighth grader who joined this year.

"Next year we will all be together for three years," explains Coach Hughes, highlighting the program's strategic approach. With just two eighth graders coming up next season, the team is young but building toward something sustainable.

What makes this group special isn't found in their record but in the bonds they've formed. When asked about their favorite aspects of the season, the players' responses centered around a common theme: relationships.

"My favorite thing about this season is our team chemistry," shares Kylan Wiggins, one of the team's small forwards.

Sixth-grader Trenton Mitchell, the youngest player at just eleven years old, echoes this sentiment: "My favorite thing about this season is that I got to play with my friends before we started playing ball for a team."

For Christopher Austin, the experience transcended the game itself. "Dressing up in a jersey for the first time felt great," he reflects with pride.

The team benefits from continuity, with several players having been teammates for multiple seasons. Jeremiah Glover, who plays shooting guard, appreciates "playing with people I've already played with for, like, three years—people that I already know I can play with that could do good."

Others value the growth they've experienced. "My favorite thing about this season is that I played better," says Cory Poindexter, while Arthaniel Davis, the team's point guard, appreciates "how well we play with each other and the fundamentals that we learned during our time playing basketball."

This focus on fundamentals and chemistry is by design. While the High School team enjoyed an impressive season (roughly 26-5 according to the players), Coach Hughes knows his Junior High program is the pipeline for future success.

Beyond the regular season, which ended in late January with regionals, many players participate in summer league games at Vienna Grade School and some join AAU teams. These additional opportunities help maintain the chemistry they've built while expanding their basketball experience.

The players have ambitious goals for the future. When asked when they might make it to state, one confident player declares, "Next year, we make it to state," while others believe the sixth graders' eighth-grade year will be their true championship opportunity.

Arthaniel Davis, showing wisdom beyond his years, offers a measured prediction: "I think they are probably gonna have a decent little chance at making it to state. They can probably get through some tough games. But the sixth grade's eighth-grade year, I know for sure they definitely gonna make it to state. Anybody they come across, they should be okay."

With solid parent support at games, a committed coaching staff, and players dedicated to improvement, the Meridian Junior High basketball program is building something special—a foundation for success that extends far beyond the scoreboard.