Two MHS Wildcats sign with Meridian Eagles

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
April 9, 2002
Two Meridian High Wildcats opted to stay in town to further their education and basketball careers at Meridian Community College.
One of the players signing on Monday was former Wildcat point guard Quadrick Griffin, who sat out this past season due to academic ineligibilty.
But as Meridian head coach Ernie Watson pointed out, Griffin proved to be an exception to most, using the past year to concentrate on his school-work. He will earn his high school diploma this May. By doing so, he was eligible to sign a National Junior College Athletic Association Letter of Intent with MCC.
Also signing on Monday with Griffin is Wildcat senior forward Jamaine Winfield. Winfield was a key member on a Wildcat squad that advanced to the 5A Boys State semifinals.
Griffin said it was tough having to sit out this season and watch his friends enjoy a successful season which included two out-of-state tournaments, a Division 2-5A championship and a trip to the 5A State semifinals.
When he last played for the Wildcats back in the 2000-01 season, Griffin averaged 9.7 points per game. He made 36.7 percent of his three-point attempts (54 of 147 shots) and was a 69.2 percent foul shooter. He also averaged 4.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and had 38 steals.
Winfield averaged 9.3 points per game for the 2001-02 Wildcats that finished 21-12. Even though he made just nine three-pointers, one of those was an overtime shot that helped the Wildcats beat Columbus for the divisional title.
Winfield shot 66.7 percent from the field (104 of 156) and was 62.3 percent from the foul line. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds while playing in all 33 games.