Squalicum built a big lead early and held on for a 63-49 Northwest Conference boys' basketball victory at Meridian on Friday, Jan. 4.

The win improved the Storm to 6-7, 1-3 NWC while the Trojans dropped to 5-6, 1-3 NWC.

Squalicum started the game hitting 4 of 5 3-point shots to build a 20-4 lead. Meridian battled back to within five points until the Storm came out of halftime and outscored the Trojans 18-4 in the third quarter.

"Third quarter was the difference - that and the first four minutes of the first quarter," Meridian coach Shane Stacy said in a phone interview. "Our guys played hard and pulled back."

Alex Yuska had 16 points, Blake Youtsey had 15 points and Ben Garcia had 12 points to lead Squalicum.

Meridian was led by Alijah Garcia's 19 points and Edward Garcia's 12 points.

The Storm hosts Bellingham on Monday, Jan. 7, in a Northwest Conference game, while Meridian hosts Friday Harbor on Tuesday, Jan. 8 in a non-conference game.

SQUALICUM 63, MERIDIAN 49

Squalicum 23 12 18 10 - 63

Meridian 14 14 4 17 - 49

Squalicum: Jonathan Whetnall 2, Tre Clark 6, Luke Weber, Blake Harmon 10, Clark Hazlett, Ben Garcia 12, Blake Youtsey 15, Alex Yuska 16, Danny Weber 2. Team totals: 22-46 11-16 63.

Meridian: Alijah Garcia 19, Jacob Plagerman 1, Kelby Todd, Edward Garcia 12, Patrick Carlson 2, Blake Briones 6, Chad Richter 1, Sam Chambers 2, Spencer Blackburn 4, Logan Carlson 2. Team totals: 15-51 13-22.

3-ptg: Squalicum 8 (Garcia 4), Meridian 6 (A. Garcia 5). Rebounds: Squalicum 22 (Yuska 7), Meridian 30 (Richter 5, Carlson 5). Assists: Squalicum 14 (Clark 4), Meridian 10 (3 players with 2). Fouls: Squalicum 20 (Youtsey), Meridian 15. Turnovers: Squalicum 13, Meridian 14.