A depleted Yellowjackets squad dropped their season-opener 54-53 to the visiting Rains Wildcats last Thursday. Playing without their multi-sport classmates, and further reduced through sickness, the Jackets dressed six players for the game. 

In a cleanly-played contest, both teams struggled to score in the first half. Although they manufactured open shots around the perimeter, Mineola could not find the shooting range. Alternatively, the Wildcats created a lot of driving penetration in the first half, but they had difficulty finishing at the basket. 

Several trips up the court ensued before Mineola’s Conner Gibson opened the scoring. The points came sparingly. At the quarter break the score stood 7-7 and at the half Rains led 22-20. 

Mineola’s first half efforts were led by the two Jackets with previous varsity experience: guard Jonah Fischer and forward Aiden Steward. Steward took a charge early in the game and scored a nice offensive rebound put-back midway through the second quarter. 

Also suiting up for the Jackets were Bobby Collins, Hunter Vandover and Dalton Crowson. 

Fischer, as expected, directed the Jackets efforts and fueled practically all Mineola scoring. Despite a cold shooting start, Fischer put up 12 points in the first half and finished with 37 points for the game.  

A surprisingly-quick Rains Wildcat team began to make those close-in shots drop in the second half and opened a lead. With five minutes to play, Rains was up by 10 points.

Fischer went to work. In the final five minutes he scored with two 3-pointers, one jumper, two drives and two free throws to give Mineola a 53-52 lead with a minute left to play. During this surge he also recorded a steal and a blocked shot. 

With :30 on the clock, Rains came up with the winning shot. Mineola had a chance to take the game in the final seconds, but Fischer’s jump shot and follow-up both came off the iron.

The biggest takeaway for the Jackets will be the improvements needed on the defensive boards. Positioning and blocking out would have turned this game decidedly in Mineola’s favor. 

The next opportunity to see the Yellowjackets will be Tuesday, Dec. 1 as they host Martin’s Mill at 6:30 p.m.