Lady Jackets roll past Alba-Golden

By Sam Major
photos@wood.cm
Posted 2/5/20

The district front-running Mineola Lady Jackets stung the Lady Panthers 89-29 in Alba-Golden on Friday.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Lady Jackets roll past Alba-Golden

Posted

The district front-running Mineola Lady Jackets stung the Lady Panthers 89-29 in Alba-Golden on Friday.

Mineola’s scoring started fast with a Jaiden Gardner three-point play. The Lady Jackets connected on five three-point shots in the first quarter, three of those from Sabria Dean for 9 of her 13 points in the period. Cyndi Butler started the downtown deluge for the Lady Jackets, the first of her four long-balls.

Only Crimson Bryant scored from the field for Alba-Golden, netting all five of her points in the opening period. Cacie Lennon, Kallie Wright and Bella Crawford went 4-6 on free throws to tally 9 to the Lady Jackets’ 24 in the opening eight minutes.

The second quarter featured more free throws as both teams reached the bonus halfway into the period. The scoring total was similar, with Mineola dominating 27-10.

The Lady Panthers hit 9-of-14 free throws but turned the ball over 17 times in the first half.

Mineola went 13-18 from the line, dominated rebounding 17-4 and hit 9 threes toward a 51-19 lead at the break.

The second half opened much like the first, with Butler, Dean and Gardner hitting early threes.

If one didn’t know the score, the gameplay and coaching in the third quarter would not lead one to believe Mineola had opened a 39-point gap with 5:27 remaining. Alba-Golden continued to play hard, and Mineola’s coach Brad Gibson showed no appetite for let-up on the Lady Jackets’ part, admonishing them to get in the paint for defensive rebounds rather than “snowbirding” to get open for fast break opportunities.

After a Dean defensive board, she split two defenders, was bewildered by the no-call, and proceeded to will herself to the basket at the other end of the floor, scoring a bucket while being fouled, then converted the three-point play at the line.

A mountainous 74-23 Mineola margin after 24 minutes of play was too much to scale for the Lady Panthers.

Dean’s 32 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks in three quarters earned her some rest. She continued leading in the final quarter from the bench, where she was heard calling offensive plays, which she normally does at the top of the key.

Alba-Golden traveled Tuesday to Lone Oak and will host Quitman for senior night Friday. After a bye Tuesday, Mineola hosts Lone Oak for their senior night on Friday.