The Mineola Lady Jackets evened their district record with a grinding 50-39 win last Friday over the visiting Harmony Lady Eagles. To achieve this win, the Lady Jackets had to create offensive production as they were faced with a near air-tight Lady Eagles 2-3 zone defense.

Mineola accomplished that feat, and secured the win, by creating intense pressure with which Harmony had to contend the whole game. In the first quarter alone, Mineola forced ten Harmony turnovers. Although the turnovers did not translate into points as often as the Lady Jackets had hoped, they did create more opportunities to score – which in a close game, was the difference in the final tally

Initially, the Lady Jackets were ranged in from the perimeter. Macy Fischer, Jayla Jackson and Kyra Jackson each contributed a 3-pointer in the opening quarter.  

A relatively fluid flow of action saw one breakaway basket – from Fischer – while Harmony exploited its height advantage by passing the ball to break the Mineola press and moving the ball around the perimeter in the offensive zone. 

The Lady Jackets had to feel chagrined that the number of turnovers they forced did not produce a larger lead. Mineola led 14-10 after one period.

Jayla Jackson opened the second quarter with a 12-foot jumper. Despite some great defensive work, and chasing down most loose balls, the Lady Jackets managed only three more points in the period.

Sophia Houge was fouled under the basket after taking a beautiful pass from Fischer. She hit one of two free throws. Houge then stole the ball in the offensive zone and fed Kyra Jackson for a score.

Harmony finished the half with a 6-point run and took a 21-19 lead into the break. The Lady Eagles put together some nice basketball to close the half. They scored on a smooth runner from the baseline and broke the Mineola press for a basket

The game turned in the third quarter. More specifically, Mineola benefitted from the exhaustive work and alertness of Sophie Houge.

In the quarter, Houge scored eight points from the field. That included a score off the press, one offensive rebound which she took the distance down the floor for a score, an inside basket on a tremendous assist from Fischer, and a steal and score. She also issued an assist to Mylee Fischer for a bucket.

Houge provided the energy which Mineola needed to turn the game in their favor. The Lady Jackets opened the third quarter on a 6-point run and ended it with an 8-point run.

The third quarter established the winning margin. Harmony made one charge in the final quarter, closing to within four points. Consistent Mineola pressure and two beautiful jumpers – one from Macy Fischer and one by Kyra Jackson – ended the Harmony threat.

The Lady Jackets surely are pleased with the outcome. They must also be looking to improve cashing in on those turnovers and increasing the confidence with which they step up to take a jump shot.

After traveling to Winona and participating in the Tenaha Tourney, the Lady Jackets return to home court on Tuesday, Jan. 3 to host Mt. Vernon.