San Pasqual’s Meek Is Pushy in Victory Over Woodbridge

When push came to shove, Erik Meek, San Pasqual High School’s 6-foot-10, All-American center, showed that even referees aren’t going to intimidate him.

Meek had his way on both ends of the court in Escondido San Pasqual’s 79-71 victory over Woodbridge in the quarterfinals of the Southern California Division II boys’ regionals Tuesday night in front of 1,500 at San Pasqual High.

Meek scored 39 points, had 12 rebounds and blocked six shots before fouling out with 51 seconds remaining. Meek, who next year will play at Duke with Marina’s Cherokee Parks, made 14 of 19 shot attempts and had 11 of San Pasqual’s 19 points in the final quarter to help hold off a furious Woodbridge rally.

Afterward, Woodbridge Coach Bill Shannon said he thought Meek should have been called for his fifth personal foul with 5 minutes 16 seconds remaining when he collided with Warrior Ethan Twer on a fastbreak, but instead was awarded a basket and then completed a three-point play for a 67-53 lead.

“I coached a 6-9 All-American (Adam Keefe) for three years and he was never protected (by referees) like that in almost 100 games,” Shannon said. “I don’t want to take anything way from him. He would have gotten his 30 or whatever points, but he played too many minutes.”

Meek had several rough encounters with Woodbridge players, when fouls weren’t called.

“It’s a wonder the guy ever fouled out,” Shannon said. “Mike Fenton certainly should have been at the (foul) line more than he was (seven of eight free throws). It wasn’t right, and I’m sure I won’t regret saying that in the morning.”

Meek set the tone for the game early, making his first six shots and two free throws as San Pasqual opened a 29-18 lead in the second quarter. Guard David Durst kept Woodbridge’s defense honest by making a pair of three-pointers in the first quarter, and San Pasqual shot 74% in the first half, hitting 17 of 23 shots.

San Pasqual (20-7) built a 25-point lead in the third quarter but Meek picked up his third personal foul with 2:31 remaining in the quarter, and as San Pasqual Coach Tom Buck said later, “The wheels began to fall off.”

Woodbridge’s press began to take its toll when Meek was on the bench and before Buck could get Meek back into the game 35 seconds later, Woodbridge had trimmed the deficit to 58-43. Meek got his fourth foul with 7:18 left to play, but this time Buck didn’t bench him.

Meek’s biggest play was his three-point play that put San Pasqual ahead, 67-53. Afterward, the closest Woodbridge managed to get was five points.