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Meridian High School
School Info
Conference: 5A Southern Idaho Conference
Classification: 5A
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Head Coach: Mike Graefe
Years as Head Coach: 3rd season
Previous Experience: Idaho State University, Minico High School
Record Last Year: 3-17
Assistant Coaches:
Jon Rehder
Brandee Gormley
Returning Athletes:
Axel Mpoyo – Forward – Senior – 6’”7
Hunter Graefe – Guard – Senior – 6’2
Kyle Simon – Guard – Senior - 5'10
Noah Baxter – Forward – Senior - 6'3
Kyler Harmon Guard, Junior, 5'11
Tyus Archuleta Guard – Senior - 6'
Trenton Hope Forward – Senior 6'
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Photo By: Steve Conner - #0 Axel Mpoyo |
Team Preview:
Written by: Ryan Lee
The Meridian Warriors are coming off back-to-back subpar seasons, and finished last year with a 3-17 record, with their wins coming against conference opponents Boise, Eagle, and Vallivue.
Going into the 2014-15 season Meridian hopes to gain some confidence early after coming off a couple of seasons of only winning a combined four games.
This year the Warriors will be without multi-sport athlete Bryson Stout, who led the Warriors in points, but return seven players (six seniors) from last year’s squad.
eLading rebounder, senior forward, Axel Mpoyo will be back for Meridian, along with senior guard Hunter Graefe, senior guard Kyle Simon, senior forward, Noah Baxter, senior guard, Tyus Archuleta, senior forward, Trenton Hope, and junior guard, Kyle Harmon.
Mpoyo has potential for a breakout season, and with a barrage of returners the Warriors will have a chance to make long strides in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference win column this season.
Coaching Meridian again this season is third year head coach, Mike Graefe. Coach Graefe is looking forward to this season with his veteran club, and hopes they can build off their wins from last year to start the year on a positive note.
“We’ll have a veteran team this year that understands what a good shot is. One thing we need to improve upon from last season is that our guards need to do a better job of taking care of the ball and getting us into our offense.”
One area where the Warriors excel is on the defensive end. They like to mix it up and will play both man and zone, depending on who their matched up against. They also possess the ability to block shots and create steals, something they will need again this season to get some easier baskets.
Meridian looks to have the pieces to have a successful year this season, but if the Warriors want any shot of a state playoff berth they will need someone to step up big and get positive output from each of their returning players.
GAMES TO WATCH: Stinky Sneaker game will be held at Meridian this season on February 10th, 2015, against Mountain View. This is always a fan favorite.
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