There was a reason the Chapel Hill Lady Devils came into the regional semifinal game against Mineola with a 33-0 record. They possess some unique talents seldom seen in high school basketball. Those skills were on display as they defeated the Lady Jackets 70-55, Feb. 22 in Prosper, ending Mineola’s hopes of going to State.

Three unique aspects of the Chapel Hill game sealed the win. The ability of Chapel Hill guards to accelerate on the dribble after they cut to the basket was most influential. The back screening and slip screening games played by the Lady Devils were as good as one will see in any league. Lastly, the ability of the offensive players to sense when an opposing defender was overplaying them and being able to then adjust their attack was spectacular.

Despite these attributes, the Lady Jackets believed in themselves and battled throughout the game. Mineola had chances. A turning point late in the second quarter was left on the table.

After closing the deficit twice in the second half to within nine points, the Lady Jackets could not get any closer. An 8 for 22 free throw shooting performance doomed Mineola.

Chapel Hill jumped out front earlier thanks largely to six Mineola first-quarter turnovers. Sabria Dean put up 10 points in the opening quarter, and at the break the score stood 16-11, Chapel Hill.

The Lady Jackets changed their tactics in the second quarter and looked for fast-break points at every opportunity. The change in attack paid off. A Dean to Gardner to Black break pulled the Jackets within one point at 20-19 with 3:52 to play in the half. After exchanging free throws, Tahjae Black stole the ball in the backcourt. Dean went up with two consecutive offensive rebound put-backs, but the ball would not fall.

The Lady Devils then exploded for a 10-2 run in the last two minutes of the half. In the middle of that run, Sabria Dean made a highlight reel defensive play. She sprinted the length of the court to catch a Chapel Hill breakaway and emphatically smacked the layup shot out of bounds. It was an awesome demonstration of the will to win. At intermission the score stood 31-22.

The Lady Devils extended their lead to 14 points early in the third period. The second half was a grind as Mineola fought hard to close the gap.

Twice they closed to a single digit deficit, but each time they did, Chapel Hill would score the ensuing six points.

Mineola could simply not make up the lost ground. Chapel Hill had too many scoring options and played a disciplined style. They gave up only six turnovers on the night, and hit 21 of 30 free throw attempts.

Sabria Dean tallied 28 points and concluded an amazing season with a great all-around game. The Lady Jackets provided Mineola with a source of great pride and a sense of accomplishment throughout the season.

Chapel Hill defeated Edgewood in the regional final game on the following afternoon, and will move on to the state tourney in San Antonio.