The Yellowjackets needed the team to step up their play last Tuesday when their counterparts from Quitman came to town – especially with point guard Ainsley Steward sidelined with an ankle injury. The Yellowjackets did just that, with a convincing 59-30 win.

While it may not be possible to replace Steward’s amazing ability to drive to the basket, or his pure ball-handling skill, the Yellowjackets had to replace Steward’s offensive production and court management.

Enter sophomore Beckham Bowker. The winger put up a game high of 25 points with his long 3-pointers. Bowker hit seven shots from beyond the arc, misfiring only once. He added a short jumper and an offensive rebound put-back to his tally. Bowker’s jump shot is efficient: strong elevation with a quick release and no extraneous movements.

Bowker’s confidence in shooting seemed to rub off on teammates. Steven Reyes, Chance Williams, Cason Peebles and Carson Threlkeld each registered 3-pointers. Reyes joined Bowker in double figures with 14 points.

Driving the offensive engine in Steward’s absence became a team undertaking. Reyes logged the most time at the point guard position. His decision making was spot-on, and he took great care of the ball. Also playing in the backcourt were Threlkeld and Peebles. The energy demonstrated by these two guards was dizzying.

Mineola took an 18-10 lead at the quarter break on the strength of a Zane Strange offensive rebound follow-up and a Bowker basket.

Logan Davis kept the Bulldogs close with solid production in the second period. Two quick scores in the final seconds of the half, however, stretched the Mineola lead to 28-16.

With the Mineola defense plaguing Quitman at every turn, and the Yellowjackets ranging in from distance, Mineola began to pull away. They outscored Quitman by seven in the third period and ten in the fourth quarter. The final score was 59-30.

The rematch on Feb. 6 will be in Ballard Gym – a tough place to play. The Bulldogs will be looking to avenge their first-round loss.