Statistics alone can’t possibly explain the importance of Bryson Meek being in the lineup for Roncalli’s boys basketball team.
The Rebels’ record would be a more reliable barometer.
Coach Michael Wantz’ squad sits at 6-3 — the program’s best start in six years — on the strength of eight seniors, including Meek, a 6-foot-3 Bargersville resident capable of playing and defending a number of positions.
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“Bryson might be the most versatile kid we’ve had in my 16 years here,” said Wantz, whose career mark of 229-113 makes him the winningest coach in program history with room to spare.
“Short of the other team’s best player being a 6-9 post player, he’s going to guard the other team’s best player. It’s Bryson’s length and lateral movement that go into him being a great defender. He’s very wiry, but really strong.”
In other words, Meek takes on the appearance of the outstanding tennis player that he is.
Last spring, Meek, the No. 1 singles player for the Rebels, led the tennis program to the Center Grove Regional, where they lost to the host Trojans in the semifinals.
Meek’s 9.6 scoring average comes from playing anywhere from point guard to strong forward. He’s contributing 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game entering Tuesday’s home game against North Central in the first round of the Marion County tournament.
That game will mark the one-month anniversary of Meek sustaining a concussion in the third quarter of the Rebels’ 71-65 home victory against Lafayette Central Catholic. Meek lost his balance coming down for a rebound and hit the back of his head on a teammate’s knee.
Meek, who attended Center Grove Middle School Central before enrolling at Roncalli before his freshman year, credits his ability to play and defend multiple positions to playing for different teams.
“My versatility comes from playing at different levels,” he said. “Playing for my high school team and being a taller player, I’ll play a big, and in AAU I’ll have teammates who are 6-8 and 6-9, so I play guard.
“Whatever coach Wantz needs me to do, I do to the best of my abilities. Whatever gives my team the best chance of winning.”
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Name: Bryson Meek
Age: 18
Born: Indianapolis
Family: Parents Joseph and Lorianne; brothers Garrett, 17, and Kaden, 15; sister Ella, 12
Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite team: Indiana University men’s basketball
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