The last the Mineola Lady Jackets saw of the lead was with 3:05 to play in the third quarter. Sophie Hogue had stolen the ball on the press and scored. Mineola led 14-12. 

The remaining 11 minutes of game time was predominantly Mt. Vernon’s game. The visiting Lady Tigers outscored Mineola 30-19 in that span to record a 42-33 win Friday. 

Mt. Vernon won the late game, and hence the contest, by effectively breaking the Mineola press, making lay-ups and work on the offensive boards. 

The Lady Jackets had dominated the early action. They took a 7-1 lead after one quarter of play. The game was as equally-matched as two teams can be, and the action unfolded as such. It was extremely physical, and the referees were busy keeping the physicality under control. 

Despite the early advantage, the Lady Jackets left some excellent basketball begging. They struggled with lay-ups and missed 12 free throw shots in the first half. 

Both teams pressed in the opening quarter, but Mt. Vernon abandoned the press after one quarter. In that first quarter each team caused two turnovers through their presses. 

Just before the half, Hogue drove down the lane and issued an excellent bounce pass to Macy Fischer on the baseline for a score. At the half Mineola led 12-9.

The Tigers had certainly regrouped at the half. They came out much more disciplined, and worked the ball inside for good looks at the basket. Defensively, the Mt. Vernon team quickness interrupted the Lady Jackets offense and intercepted a number of passes in the offensive zone. 

Mineola trailed by six points going into the final quarter. 

The Lady Jackets had a great start when Kyra Jackson ranged-in from the top of the key to open the quarter, and the Lady Jackets forced a 10-second backcourt violation.  

Midway through the quarter the Lady Tigers went on a 10-point run, which determined the outcome. They drove the ball effectively and took advantage of breaking the Mineola press. In the middle of that run, Mineola’s Mahayla McMahon was forced to sit with five fouls.  

Mineola made several starts at a comeback in the final three minutes, behind the shooting of Jayla and Kyra Jackson and the forceful drives to the basket by Macy Fischer. Each time Mineola scored, however, Mt. Vernon answered. 

The Lady Jackets remain in a playoff slot with a 6-4 record after last Tuesday’s 71-3 win at Winona. They have two tough challenges upcoming: at Winnsboro Jan. 30 and hosting Chapel Hill Tuesday, Feb. 6.