GOREVILLE — Led by a couple of big nights from a pair of seniors, the Meridian Bobcats are celebrating their first regional title since 2017 after beating Goreville 85-72 to win the Goreville 1A Regional.

Roderic Gatewood Junior led the way for Meridian with a game high 35 points. Fellow senior Tristen Mackins added 24 as the Bobcats built a 22-point second half and mostly cruised to victory.

“Mostly” because Goreville just wouldn’t go away. After scoring 36 points over the first three quarters, the Blackcats scored 36 in the fourth, cutting that 22-point deficit to single digits in the final two minutes. Goreville could not get closer than seven, as Meridian closed out the victory with free throws.

The Bobcats advance to the Gallatin County Sectional where they will face Wayne City in the semifinal Wednesday night. Webber will take on the host Hawks in the first semifinal Tuesday night.