The world of Lady Jacket basketball became a bit more joyous as senior Jessiah Riley returned to action. Riley, who has been rehabilitating a lower leg injury, logged almost 12 minutes in Mineola’s 49-28 victory in Lone Oak last Tuesday.

There were no limitations obvious in her play. Riley had all the quickness and explosive acceleration Lady Jacket fans have been accustomed to seeing from her. Her contributions to the press were just as they always have been: relentless.

Mineola leveraged the press to full advantage early in the game and built a 16-6 lead after one period of play. The Lady Buffaloes fought back and equaled Mineola’s scoring production in the second quarter.  At half, Mineola led 27-19. 

The energy required to match the Lady Jackets is significant, and in the second half, Lone Oak committed all that energy to the defensive half of the court.  Mineola generated 22 points in the second half and held Lone Oak to a mere nine.  

Sabria Dean, coming off a performance against Alba-Golden in which she recorded 32 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 steals, was the main engine once again for the Lady Jackets. She tallied 23 points and produced some amazing assists. 

Late in the third period Dean found Tahjae Black in the low post with a one-handed pass while on the move from the top of the key. Black converted the score. It was the most pristine play of the game. 

While the quick and disciplined back court of the Lady Buffaloes presented Mineola with some unique challenges, the Lady Jackets produced when necessary to secure a solid win. Black and Meghan Brewington also had stand-out performances for the Lady Jackets.