Jason DeProspero/
The Dominion Post
University’s Grant Meadows tries a hook over the defense of Morgantown’s Elliott Law. Meadows had only one basket, but finished with 10 points and eight rebounds to help the Hawks beat MHS.
Resigned to role, Meadows refines game against Mohigans
6-8 center stands tall in up-tempo style
BY TODD MURRAY
The Dominion Post
University High center Grant Meadows doesn’t have to be reminded he’s not going to score a lot of points in the Hawks’ push-the-ball style of play.
Hawks coach Bruce Clinton does expect Meadows to be aggressive on the offensive and defensive boards.
The 6-foot-8 senior came through in emphatic fashion in Thursday night’s 58-52 overtime victory over rival Morgantown High. Meadows scored 10 points and yanked down nine rebounds. Many of his rebounds helped keep offensive possessions alive for the Hawks.
“Coach always counts on me for a lot of rebounds each game,” Meadows said. “He wants me to hustle and play scrappy, help on defense and get some turnovers for us.”
Meadows scored only one basket Thursday, but he sank 8-of-10 free throws and made his presence felt around the basket. Meadows rated his performance “pretty average,” but Clinton would not agree.
“His rebounding was huge tonight,” Clinton said. “His freethrow shooting was huge. Without that, we’re not going to win the game. Grant is very consistent at the foul line.”
He converted two free throws with 1:04 left in regulation, giving UHS a 48-47 advantage that drifted away after MHS’s Jay Fletcher made a free throw 12 seconds later.
Meadows scored UHS’s second basket of overtime, which put the Hawks ahead, 52-50.
“Grant is a smart player,” MHS coach Tom Yester said. “He did a good job of staying around the offensive glass. He knows where his bread is buttered.”
Meadows’ teammates, many of whom receive more attention than he does, never fail to appreciate what he contributes to the Hawks’ attack on both ends of the court.
“He always helps out,” UHS forward Ben Hewitt said. “He had some huge rebounds and a big layup. He played extremely well.”
The Hawks improved to 13-1 overall, 9-1 in the North Cental Athletic Conference. Those numbers mean more to Meadows than his personal statistics.
“I think we’ve definitely not reached our full potential,” Meadows said, “but throughout the season we’re getting better every game. Hopefully, by the end of the season when it really counts we’re at our peak.”
Prep roundup
Amy Wright
scored 13 points and Rachel Weber tallied 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in Clay-Battelle’s 51-42 victory over Hundred late Wednesday.
Mary Devaul registered a game-high 19 points for Hundred. Clay-Battelle (7-9), which has won two of its last three games, plays at Preston tonight weather permitting.
Middle School boys Clay-Battelle 8s 41 Long Drain 29
Corey Price led all scorers with 13 points as Clay-Battelle beat Long drain. Jordan Hockenberry added eight points for C-B (8-5).
Clay-Battelle 7s 42, Long Drain 17
Alec Statler and Braden Neely both scored 11 points as Clay-Battelle topped Long Drain.
Miller 8s 51 Cheat Lake 17
C o l b y Besidish’s 10 points led all scorers as Miller raced by Cheat Lake. Jeff Nieman led Cheat Lake (5-7) with five points.
Miller 7s 36 Cheat Lake 23
Anthony Osbourne had a gamehigh 13 points as Miller beat Cheat Lake (9-3). Matt Lancaster and Tyler Nagy both scored six points in the loss.
Jason DeProspero/
The Dominion Post
University’s Grant Meadows tries a hook over the defense of Morgantown’s Elliott Law. Meadows had only one basket, but finished with 10 points and eight rebounds to help the Hawks beat MHS.