Jackets trap Rabbits, bound to regional tourney
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Mineola Yellowjacket basketball is headed to the regional tourney. The Jackets put together another stellar effort Tuesday defeating the Atlanta Rabbits 54-41 at the regional quarterfinal in Tatum.
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Jackets trap Rabbits, bound to regional tourney
![TJ Moreland scores two of his 23 points while earning a trip to the free throw line. [see more shots, buy basketball photos]](/uploads/original/20230301-222211-_1274343 TJ Moreland and-one.png.jpg)
![Mineola reacts to winning their regional quarterfinal matchup Tuesday against Atlanta in Tatum. [see more shots, buy basketball photos]](/uploads/original/20230301-222756-_1274597 celebrations begin.png.jpg)
![Braydon Alley grabs a defensive rebound. [see more shots, buy basketball photos]](/uploads/original/20230301-222333-_1454662 Braydon Alley rebounds.png.jpg)
![TJ Moreland holds the Yellowjackets' regional quarterfinal championship trophy aloft. [see more shots, buy basketball photos]](/uploads/original/20230301-222414-_1464840 TJ Moreland raises jackets gold ball.png.jpg)
Mineola Yellowjacket basketball is headed to the regional tourney. The Jackets put together another stellar effort Tuesday defeating the Atlanta Rabbits 54-41 at the regional quarterfinal in Tatum.
There is special satisfaction when defense wins basketball games. Of course, the team has to score to win, but a defensive effort, like the one Mineola produced against Atlanta, is a beautiful thing to watch.
What makes it special is the knowledge of what sustained man-to-man basketball requires: intense focus, communication, anticipation and conditioning. Mineola has demonstrated those qualities in their three post-season games.
After a first quarter which saw Atlanta carry much of the action, the Yellowjackets frustrated a talented Atlanta squad the rest of the game. The Rabbits had long possessions in the offensive zone but could not shake free of the hounding defense.
Atlanta jumped ahead 12-6 in the first quarter and got a last-second tip in to lead 14-11 after one period.
After two baskets got the Rabbits up by eight, Mineola went on a 16-point run to take the lead, which it held at the half 28-21.
Dawson Pendergrass hit two free throws after some physical play in the lane. Zay Lipscomb hit a 3-pointer, Pendergrass and Isaiah Gardner each scored inside, and T.J. Moreland drilled consecutive 3-pointers.
A Moreland jumper and a Braydon Alley score put the Jackets up by 11 points early in the third quarter, and that was still the margin after three periods.
Mineola answered a fourth quarter comeback with a Pendergrass drive, a Keke Martin drive, a Moreland score from a Lipscomb assist and a Pendergrass score from an Alley assist.
Eight successful free throws by Moreland in the final minute ensured the Jackets’ trip to Prosper.
Moreland finished with 23 points. Lipscomb contributed 11 and Pendergrass 10. Alley, Gardner and Martin combined for 10.
Mineola will take on Whitesboro at 6 p.m. Friday followed by Ponder and Hooks. The winners will face off for a trip to state at 1 p.m. Saturday.
This marks the second time in school history for the Jackets to advance to the regional. They accomplished the feat in 1961, losing to Jacksboro in overtime in Denton.
