On Tuesday night at Brentsville District, Meridian coach Jim Smith won his 500th career game as the Mustangs defeated the Tigers, 59-28.
Smith, in his first year at Meridian after coaching at Sidwell Friends, McLean, and Chantilly, joined a club very few high school coaches become a member of.
“If anything, thankfulness,” said Smith when asked what he was feeling after the game. “I’ve been so fortunate to have so many great coaches, so many great players to play for me and so many good administrations of people that know and trusted me. And parents that trusted me to work with their kids.”
“Just more than anything, thankful. Not many coaches get as many opportunities as me, so I appreciate that.”
Smith said he really didn’t like talking numbers, because in the end it was about the kids. His kids certainly delivered on Tuesday, as the Mustangs used an 18-2 run at the end of the first half to break open a close game. Once Meridian made some shots Smith’s team was able to frustrate Brentsville with a full-court press that caused a number of turnovers.
Senior guard Duncan Miller led the Mustangs’ balanced scoring attack with 16 points, while Thomas Downs added 12, Wyatt Trundle 11, and Charles Duross nine for Smith’s team. Brentsville sophomore Caleb Alexander impressed with eight points and two key first half assists to help tie it at 16, before Meridian made its run.
“I’m really enjoying the kids [this season],” said Smith. “I’m enjoying getting this program to where I think we all want it to be.”
While he was focused on the game and his players, there definitely was a sense in the stands that this was Smith’s night. In the fourth quarter with the game in hand the visiting Mustangs fans started to chant “that’s 500.” The Brentsville administrators were gracious after the game, recognizing Smith’s accomplishment with a short ceremony in which he was presented a basketball with “500” written on it.
It was certainly a night to remember for Smith, his family and friends, and the Mustangs.
“It’s never been about numbers,” Smith said. “It’s about working with kids, the love of the game, and trying to give something back.”
–Chris Jollay
all stats are unofficial
| MERIDIAN | FG | FT | TP | REB | AST | |
| MILLER | 6-12 | 2-2 | 16 | 0 | 2 | |
| DUROSS | 3-11 | 0-0 | 7 | 1 | 3 | |
| DOWNS | 3-4 | 5-6 | 12 | 4 | 1 | |
| GREINER | 2-3 | 0-0 | 4 | 8 | 4 | |
| TRUNDLE | 4-8 | 2-2 | 11 | 4 | 1 | |
| Yimaj | 0-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fitzpatrick | 1-2 | 0-0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Lacroix | 1-2 | 1-2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Smith | 0-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Benson | 2-4 | 0-0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | |
| Kusic | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Grubb | 0-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| TOTALS | 22-53 | 10-12 | 59 | 26 | 12 | |
| Threes: Miller 2-4, Downs 1-2, Trundle 1-2, Duross 1-8, Fitzpatrick 0-1, Grubb 0-1, Smith 0-2 | ||||||
| BRENTSVILLE | FG | FT | TP | REB | AST | |
| C.ALEXANDER | 3-7 | 2-2 | 8 | 4 | 2 | |
| OWENS | 2-4 | 0-0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| VETTER | 3-7 | 0-0 | 6 | 2 | 1 | |
| ASIAMA | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | |
| BROWN | 2-4 | 0-0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| Moore | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Djama | 2-3 | 0-0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
| Farr | 1-2 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| #22 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| X.Alexander | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| TOTALS | 13-30 | 2-2 | 28 | 17 | 5 | |
| Threes: Owens 0-1, Brown 0-1,#22 0-1, X.Alexander 0-1, C.Alexander 0-3 | ||||||