Meridian - The Meridian Community College Eagles took to the hardwood to kick off their 2019-2020 season and defeated Blessed IJN Prep School 106-90. The Eagles were lead by Alvarez Powell who had 35 points and Daryyl Jordan who had 19. The Eagles are 1-0 on the season and will return to action at home Monday night against East Mississippi Community College.

Daryyl Jordan won the tip and 2 passes later he was dunking the ball for the opening points of the season. The Eagles opened the game on a 10-2 run and never looked back. with 7:22 to play in the first half Blessed Prep closed the gap to 30-22, but the Eagles took a 28-14 run into halftime to lead 55-36 at the break.

The Eagles seemed to be a little sluggish to start the second half allowing Blessed Prep close the gap to 57-44. "We had too many turnovers tonight,"said Coach Green. After a timeout the Eagles seemed to re-group and Alvarez Powell went to work. Powell who is typically known as a 3 point shooter played most of his minutes as the small forward and was scoring from everywhere. He got to the basket, shot the mid range, as well as a few from downtown. He lead all scorers with 35 points.

Daryyl Jordan was the presence in the post from tip to buzzer. While netting 19 points he also protected the rim and pulled down 8 rebounds. Keontae Trotter hit a pair of 3 pointers and scored 12 while Jayden Drummond added 9 points.

Blessed IJN Prep had 3 players in double digits. Jaylon Taylor knocked down 26 points, Shaa Walker had 20 points and Tre Ward chipped in with 15.

Head Coach James Green said, "I thought we played pretty good offensively tonight, we just turned the ball over too much."" That was probably due to the nerves of the first game." 

The Eagles return home to Graham Gymnasium Monday night November 4, to host East Mississippi Community College. The Lady Eagles will open at 5:30 and the men will follow at 7:30pm.