The 2025 Mineola Lady Jackets have opened the basketball season 4-0, with a 52-31 win last Tuesday against the visiting Bullard Lady Panthers.

The Lady Jackets used a high level of activity to force a string of Bullard turnovers in the opening minutes. They also out-competed and out-muscled the visitors, especially in the first half. 

Hitting five 3-pointers in the first period certainly shaped the game early on. The Lady Jackets converted most Bullard turnovers into points in the opening quarter. That, combined with excellent shooting, gave the home side a 22-3 lead at the quarter break. 

The man-to-man full-court Lady Jacket press simply disoriented the Lady Panthers and catapulted the Lady Jackets to a large lead. At the half, Mineola led 40-17.

Bullard also employed a press, albeit a zone press. The Lady Jackets responded well in breaking the Bullard press and did not commit a turnover until midway through the second period. 

Bullard regrouped during halftime and played a more spirited game in the second half. The outcome, however, was never in doubt. The closest Bullard could close the deficit was 18 points, midway through the third period.

The 2025-26 Lady Jackets have an exciting season ahead. They are exceptionally well-conditioned, disciplined, athletic and completely unselfish. The Lady Jackets will certainly rise to meet all challengers.

The squad consists of seniors Caroline Castleberry, Sophia Hogue and Mahayla McMahon, juniors Kali Chrietzberg and Kaitlyn McMahon, sophomores Marley Johnson and Adelyn Steward and freshman Canyon Redding.

Mineola is on the road Nov. 24 at Winnsboro, Nov. 25 at Van, and Nov. 29 at the Whitehouse Tourney, before hosting Tyler Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Dec. 2.