The Meridian boys' basketball team opened its season with an 82-35 win over South Whidbey at home Thursday, Nov. 29.

"I thought our energy level was excellent from all of the guys," Meridian coach Shane Stacy said in a phone interview. "It was a tough situation for South Whidbey to play back-to-back nights and drive all the way up. They just didn't have the energy tonight."

The Trojans were led by Alijah Garcia, who scored 16 points and made four of Meridian's eight 3-pointers. Chad Richter scored 14 points and Edward Garcia added 11 more.

Trevin Todd had five assists while also adding six points.

The Trojan defense forced 25 turnovers on the night and had 43 rebounds.

Meridian (1-0) will play at home against Mount Baker on Monday, Dec. 3, in a non-conference game.

MERIDIAN 82, SOUTH WHIDBEY 35

South Whidbey 13 12 3 7 - 35

Meridian 21 30 21 10 - 82

South Whidbey: Turpin 5, French 9, Simmons 3, Hughes 9, Homsa 7, Jones 2, Asay 0, Bishop 0, Collins 0. Team totals: 13-39 7-14 35.

Meridian: Spencer Blackburn 2, Blake Briones 8, Logan Carlson 4, Patrick Carlson 7, Sam Chambers 0, Alijah Garcia 16, Edward Garcia 11, Trevin Todd 6, Jacob Plagerman 4, Chad Richter 14, Kelby Todd 8, Kyle Young 2. Team totals: 27-64 20-27 82.

3-ptg: South Whidbey 2 (Hughes 2), Meridian 8 (Alijah Garcia 4). Rebounds: South Whidbey 30 (Homsa 6), Meridian 43 (Blackburn 6). Assists: South Whidbey 7 (French 2), Meridian 12 (Trevin Todd 5). Fouls: South Whidbey 22 (Homsa, Simmons), Meridian 14 (none). Turnovers: South Whidbey 25, Meridian 9.