There is value-added in that last score before a halftime break. It may be undefinable, but it exists. Mt. Vernon systematically overcame an 8-point deficit in the second quarter and took a 23-20 lead on a 3-point shot just before the halftime buzzer. The visiting Tigers opened a big lead in the third quarter Friday and handed the Mineola Yellowjackets a 55-49 defeat.

Mineola used excellent activity and pressure to take the early initiative. Braydon Alley wasted no time in making his presence known, as he opened the scoring with a lay-up off a turnover and an offensive rebound put-back. 

Zane Strange broke an 8-8 tie with a basket on a nice assist from Keke Martin. Caden Rupert logged one of his best games of the year, demonstrating great awareness, hustle and defense. He also scored on a smooth baseline drive in that opening quarter. 

This game featured two outstanding physical match-ups: Yellowjacket guard Keke Martin vs. Mt. Vernon’s Kam Doss, and Yellowjacket post Braydon Alley vs. Mt. Vernon’s Shane Stanley. It was a game worth watching with the scoreboard turned off. 

The score was certainly being kept, and it was a tight game through the midpoint of the third quarter.  Then, an easy Tiger score off an inbound play under the basket and a 3-pointer led to a Mineola time-out. The Tigers had taken an 8-point lead.

Uncharacteristically, coming out of the time-out, the Yellowjackets suffered two steal-and-scores, an offensive rebound put-back and a snowbird to beat the press. Mt. Vernon led by 14 going into the final period.

Mt. Vernon went into a four corner offense and burned every second possible off of their possessions. 

The Yellowjackets surged forward. Back-to-back scores by Alley and consecutive assists by Alley to Aidan Sheperd closed the margin to six points with 4:00 on the clock.

One minute later a 3-pointer from Martin again closed the difference to six points. Mt. Vernon answered with a snowbird which seemed to gut the Jackets final effort. The Tigers simply played a better closing game on this night. 

Alley led Mineola scorers with 17 points. Rupert and Martin each added 10, while they were joined on the scorecard by Strange (6), Shepherd (4) and Braelyn Geremonte (2)

The Jackets remained in second place in district at 6-2.

The next chance to catch the Jackets at home is Tuesday, Feb. 6 when they host Chapel Hill.