With fall coming to an end and winter set to begin, that means we’re only a couple weeks away from the tip-off of basketball season for the Meridian Mustangs, who are set to put two very competitive teams on the court this year.

The boys return virtually their entire team from last year that lost in the Regional Semifinals, as Wyatt Trundle was the only graduating senior. Big man Grant Greiner is the headliner as a returning All-District player, but point guard Daylen Martino could emerge as the star as he looks to build off of an impressive freshman season. Isaac Rosenberger, Boston Fitzpatrick, and laser three-point shooter Will Davis all look to have increased roles as well, and Jarrett Jardine, who missed the end of last season with an injury, should be back to form. Meridian also brings in a transfer in winger John Lyman, who should make an immediate impact.

Meanwhile the girls lost two starters in Elizabeth Creed and Peyton Jones, but returned the other three as Maureen Tremblay, Ellie Friesen, and Nora Stufft headline a group that played in the State Semifinals a season ago. Chris Carrico’s bunch always operate with a “next one up” approach and should be unfazed by the departures, as several of last year’s reserves will look to fill in those roles while some newcomers should have opportunities to earn minutes as well. The Lady Mustangs have put together a tough non-regional schedule in order to prepare against quality opponents, and should be a well-oiled machine once again come playoff time.

There’s a good chance that both teams could be among the best in the region this winter.