It is not known what Quitman Head Coach Blake Hamrick said at the halftime break. Whatever words were spoken, the Lady Bulldogs came out in the second half a new team. 

The visiting Lady Jackets of Mineola had completely dominated the first half. The Lady Jackets excelled in every measure of the game: shooting, rebounding, hustle, defense, blocking shots, creating turnovers, and where it counts, on the scoreboard. 

At the half, Mineola led 22-4. They won the game 30-20. 

There was little that Mineola left lacking in that first half. Their trapping zone defense was like a heavy cloak over the Lady Bulldogs. The full-court press created numerous turnovers and had a huge psychological effect in the opening minutes. 

Mineola’s Jayden Gardner hit three long 3-pointers, while Macy Fischer maneuvered the Lady Jacket offense from the point guard position. 

Mylee Fischer and Kapri Riley provided examples of incredible hustle as Fischer ran down a fast break and Riley raced the length of the court after a loose ball.

Mineola appeared to be cruising to their opening district play win. 

As the second half got underway, there was just a different sense about the Lady Bulldog side. 

The opening sequence was telling. Quitman successfully defended a long Mineola possession. Madyson Pence then hit a 3-pointer, and Quitman hustled back to defend a Lady Jacket break.  

Quitman challenged Mineola for the ball at every step. The Lady Bulldog defense pressed the ball handler non-stop. Mineola had no open shots in the second half.

“Defensively, once we settled down after the first quarter, we played well. Anytime you hold a team to 30 points you give yourself a chance to win. We just didn’t give ourselves enough chances offensively to put points up. I thought the girls played hard and are continuing to improve,” Quitman Coach Blake Hamrick said.

Offensively, Quitman just kept going to the basket. In a low-scoring game, it doesn’t take many attempts to affect a huge change in the game. 

The Lady Jackets did not stop playing their game. In fact, their ball movement, hustle and grit never lessened. They were just suddenly faced with a team that was equally determined to win every skirmish within the game. 

Although outscored 16-8 in the second half, the Lady Jackets never lost their composure and never slowed down. It was Mineola’s court awareness and quick feet which resulted in the 30-20 win.  

For Mineola, Ava Johnson’s defensive efforts were especially noteworthy, as was Gardner’s court presence and Macy Fischer’s ball-handling. Kapri Riley and Mylee Fischer had solid performances. 

The second-half Lady Bulldogs deserve recognition for their ability to turn the game and believe in one another. Ashley Davis, Addison Marcee and Madyson Pence had strong efforts throughout the game. 

Mineola’s next district action will be Saturday, Jan. 2 at Mt Vernon. Quitman will also be in district action Jan. 2, hosting Mt. Pleasant Chapel Hill.