MERIDIAN — Sophomore guard Ledell Eackles pumped in a game-high22 points to power the Co-Lin Wolves to a big 81-49 South Divisionwin over the Meridian Eagles Thursday night. Eackles scored three 3pointers on the night.

In the women’s game, the Lady Wolves fell to the Lady Eagles87-71.

Co-Lin 81, Meridian 49

The Wolves (10-5, 4-0) led the Eagles 40-24 at halftime. Co-Linrecorded eight 3-pointers in the game.

“Defensively we played well for most of the game,” said Co-Linmen’s head basketball coach Dennis Sims. “Offensively, we shot theball well from both inside and outside the three point line. Itseems like we’re starting to understand each others strengths andweaknesses.”

Contributing to the Co-Lin win with 18 points (including 4three-pointers) and four rebounds was freshman guard Joe Holliday.Dexter Middleton netted 13 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.Tremaine Enoch grabbed seven rebounds. Ivory Dishmon had eightassists.

Rico Grave led Meridian with 17 points followed by Jordan Paynewith 15. Robert Johnson grabbed four rebounds.

Meridian 87, Co-Lin 71

“In the first half we struggled from the beginning by notfinding a man on defense quick enough, no offensive rebounding, noenergy, plus we couldn’t make an outside shot,” said Co-Lin women’shead coach Gwyn Young.

The Lady Eagles led the Lady Wolves by 10 points, 40-30, at thehalf.

“In the second half, we made a run but didn’t follow up withgood defense and rebounding to have a chance,” added Young.”Meridian out hustled us and killed us rebounding and gettingsecond shots.

“If you are going to win in this league, you have to be readyevery night to play,” continued Young. “Now we will find out whatkinds of character we have if we can compete.”

The Lady Wolves (10-5, 3-1) were directed by sophomore forwardCrystal Brown with 20 points, six rebounds and three assists.Sophomore forward Travalyn Smith fired in 16 points and led off thebackboards with 12 rebounds. Dana King followed with eightpoints.

Jasmine Lindsey and Karmethia Nazique paced Meridian with 16points apiece. Anesia McBride netted 13 points and grabbed eightrebounds. Courtney Wade followed with 12 points and 12 rebounds.J.J. Huggins collected seven rebounds and made three steals.

Co-Lin hosts Hinds Monday night for a division doubleheader. Thewomen begin play at 6 p.m.