Winning the big game is something that will be top of mind for the Marissa-Coulterville Meteors in the 2009-10 season. Coming off of a (10-18) season, that was an achilles heel for the team. "In the past, we have NOT shown the ability to win a big game. Our goal this year is to get over this hump and hopefully compete for a conference title," first year coach Dirk Miller said.

The Meteors bring back an All-Conference player in Mike Lloyd (6'1" Sr. Forward). Lloyd led the team in scoring last season. Casey Pitchford (6'2" Sr. Center) is coming off a season in which he led the Meteors in rebounding and blocks. Another returning starter is Chris Fullerton (5'10" Sr. Guard). He led the team in assists and free throws. "We bring back some experience, but are a totally unproven team." David Parkinson (6'0" Sr. Forward) is another returning starter. "Our defense could win us some games if we can get some guys to buy into our new system."

Newcomers for the Meteors program will be, Cody Mahan (5'8" Sr. Guard), Kyle Sinn (6'0" Jr. Guard), Joey Martin (6'2" Jr. Forward), Joey Smith (6'0" So. Guard), Logan Tabor (5'8" So. Guard), and Austin Place (6'2" Fr. Center). "We have some young guys that are really hungry to win. It should be a fun year for me, my assistant coaches, and the players," Miller said.

Marissa-Coulterville competes in the Kaskaskia Division of the Cahokia Conference. Last season, the Meteors finished (4-6). "(Kaskaskia Division) looks to be well-balanced this year. Dupo and Valmeyer are much improved, and although Steeleville lost some key players to graduation, it returns some strong guards and effective JV players. I look for New Athens and Lebanon to battle for the top spots. New Athens is very big, and the (Vince) Kiefer kid is an absolute load. They will be very tough for us to handle." Coach Miller also thinks Lebanon will look to continue their domination of the division. "(Lebanon) is extremely athletic and hasn't lost a conference game since the conference was split. Hopefully we will be one of those pesky teams that fights to the end of every game."

Dirk Miller enters his first season as head coach of the Meteors. He is no stranger to the program, though, having spent three seasons at the freshman and JV levels for the Meteors.

The last postseason hardware earned by either school in the basketball co-op, came during the (1983-84) season by Coulterville. That team finished (23-6) under coach Rodney Watson. Coulterville won District titles on six seperate occasions during the 1930's and 1950's.

Marissa won a Regional crown during the (1982-83) campaign under coach Jim Egan. The Meteors finished (21-9) that season. Marissa won a Sectional in (1976-77) under coach Lee Schulte. He coached the Meteors for 17 seasons and compiled a (266-171) record at the school.