There is no doubt that last Tuesday’s Mineola vs. Lone Oak girls basketball game was an early season game. The initial action was in a word, frenzied. In one wild stretch of play, the ball changed hands eight times in the midcourt.  

The game settled, although Lone Oak employed their Slap City defense throughout the game, while Mineola got whistled – head-scratchingly – for charge after charge after charge.

In the end, the Lady Jackets let this one slip away. They led by seven points after three quarters. 

Lone Oak used an 11-point run to tie the game in the fourth at 36. In the final three minutes, the Lone Oak shots fell true and the Lady Jackets could manage only one field goal. Mineola fell 45-42.

The big learning point will surely be screaming at the Lady Jackets all season – ‘win the fourth quarter.’ It was painful to have put together a solid game for three quarters, leading the score for three and a half quarters, playing some of the best offensive basketball of the season, and yet come up short in the end.   

A tape of the third quarter of play will likely be required viewing to illustrate how the Jackets offense should work. That third quarter was chockful of excellent offense, as the Lady Jackets found a real offensive groove. They communicated on the offensive end, established a rhythm and looked to make that extra pass. 

The results of that stretch of play was highlighted by offensive rebound put-backs, open shots from the perimeter, great combination play and a solid mix of driving inside and passing the ball around the arc. 

When the fortunes turned in the fourth quarter, the Lady Jackets simply could not come up with something to regain momentum. A three-pointer by Kapri Riley gave Mineola a one-point lead with 2:00 left. Lone Oak answered with a three to retake the lead and added a field goal and two free throws to secure the win. 

Even in the final seconds, the look of exasperation at the circumstance was clearly visible on the faces of the Lady Jackets. They will likely not forget that feeling of knowing they could have brought the game home. The experience will serve them well.

At this point, the Mineola girls squad is improving game-by-game in large strides. Freshmen Jayla and Kyra Jackson are maturing on the wings at a rapid pace, Paris Spigner joins Ava Johnson and Gracie Finley to provide intense defensive pressure, Riley is playing a larger role with each game, Mylee Fischer remains a presence in the lane, while Macy Fischer is fitting her ball-handling into the offense. Alia Freeman is becoming accustomed to varsity intensity. 

This team has a bright season ahead. The next chance to catch the Lady Jackets at home is Friday as they host the Lady Bulldogs of Quitman in a district match-up.