Both of Meridian High School’s basketball teams were on the road on Tuesday afternoon for the State Quarterfinals, the girls facing Lafayette and the boys playing Lake Taylor. It was a mixed bag of results as the boys fell 36-56, while the girls won 52-41 to advance to the Semifinals this Friday.

Maureen Tremblay scored 15 points to lead the girls, who came from behind and pulled away from Lafayette with a huge second half. Charlotte Lieu, Ellie Friesen, and Nora Stufft all had nine apiece to help Chris Carrico’s squad earn a semi-home game in Alexandria City, where they will play the same Lake Taylor school that beat Meridian’s boys. Lake Taylor knocked off Brentsville by a score of 56-49 to advance to the Semifinals.

Grant Greiner and Will Davis each scored eight to lead the way for the boys, who were doomed by a rough second quarter in which they were outscored 17-1. Otherwise, they played Taylor — a team head coach Jim Smith described as the best team in the state, regardless of class — nearly evenly, and despite the disappointing end to the season, there is no shame in the way the year as a whole played out. The boys conclude with a regular season regional title and a final record of 22-4, a remarkable accomplishment for a program that two years ago went 7-15.

“They’ve worked extremely hard and represented their community wonderfully,” Smith said via e-mail while noting how proud he is of his team. He also made a point to thank all of Mustang Nation for the continued support.

The boys figure to be back for unfinished business next season — Greiner is the only graduating starter — while in the meantime, the girls will be playing for a trip to Richmond later this week. Be there if you can!