The Mineola Yellowjackets evened their district record and put together a complete game last Tuesday, defeating the visiting Mt. Vernon Tigers 62-34.

The Jackets had one of their best showings of the season. With the exception of a single, momentary loss of focus near the end of the first half – in which a loose rebound was lost – Mineola dominated every phase of the game.

The team generated good shots against a very quick Mt. Vernon defense. They did this with a minimal number of turnovers and few fouls. It was excellent ball movement and spatial awareness. 

Defensively, the Jackets exhausted their opponents. The helping man-to-man defense hounded the Tigers and prevented open looks at the basket. The defense was so imposing that in the second half, the Tigers passed on shots that could possibly be challenged.

Hunter Vandover got the Jackets rolling in the opening quarter. Vandover put in 11 of his 16 points in that first quarter. His last 3-pointer of the quarter came after some excellent ball movement in the offensive zone. Mineola led 16-6 at the end of one quarter.

In the second quarter, the Yellowjackets compounded the lead and took a 34-15 advantage into half-time. Five Jackets scored in the period, with strong inside work by Stephen Ogueri and a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by T.J. Moreland.

Mt. Vernon came out of their tight zone defense as the game wore on, but Mineola was undeterred. The Jackets fluidly adjusted to whatever defense the Tigers presented. 

In the third quarter Isaiah Gardner put in solid minutes, scoring three times in the quarter and demonstrating a soft and spot-on shot from the free-throw line. Ogueri continued his strong inside play, scoring on assists from Brayden Alley and Moreland.  

In the final stanza, Moreland and Pendergrass excelled. Moreland looked to expose a tired Tigers defense, while Pendergrass was – as always – extremely active around the basket. 

Ten Yellowjackets scored in the game. Vandover led the scorers with 16 points and Moreland etched 14. 

Although the offensive work was impressive, it was Mineola’s defense which really stood out. Guard Xzavien Lipscomb and winger Brayden Alley had top-shelf defensive games. From a team perspective, there was nowhere for the Tigers to exploit. The defensive communications were excellent, and the Jackets maintained their pressurized man-to-man scheme without fouling. It was an impressive showing.

The next chance to catch the Yellowjackets at home will be Friday as they host Chapel Hill.