The Mineola Yellowjackets were completely in the groove last Tuesday with their 58-29 win over the visiting Mount Vernon Tigers. 

Mineola had its whole game working. However, it was their hounding man-to-man defense which carried the night. The Jackets’ defensive effort was like a clinic. They exhibited an understanding of, and ability to execute, an effective man-to-man defense.

Those masters-level skills included helping on the baseline, trapping the corners, switching on screens and more importantly passing coverage back, and always looking for the backside pass.

Two major influences in that defensive effort where Dawson Pendergrass and Steven Ogueri. Pendergrass cleaned the glass all night, while Ogueri’s defensive work in the low post denied Mount Vernon any consistent inside game. 

Pendergrass and Ogueri’s efforts were noteworthy, but the Jackets played excellent team defense. Physical presence, quick hands and quicker feet featured throughout the game. 

A 10-point run late in the opening quarter set the tempo for the remainder of the game. Defensively, the Jackets used great anticipation to nick the ball away four times in that run. 

Five Jackets scored in the first quarter. Andrew Stinchfield got the Jackets on the board with an offensive rebound put-back. Pendergrass punctuated the first quarter with a heave from the backcourt at the buzzer. The 55-foot shot was nothing but net and gave the home side a 17-8 lead.

Mineola’s defensive work continued in the second quarter. They held the Tigers to six points while scoring 11. The Yellowjackets had doubled up the Tigers 28-14 by the half.

The second half continued in the same vein. Mineola’s disciplined play in the third quarter dismissed any chance of a Mount Vernon comeback. A scoring spigot was opened in the final quarter, as numerous Jackets found their way to the basket, outscoring the Tigers 18-9 in the quarter.

Guard Jonah Fischer, who had an excellent game directing the offense, joined Pendergrass and Moreland in double figures. Each Jacket contributed in this win. From Trevion Sneed’s physical presence to Aidan Steward’s mid-range jump shots, it was a good night for the Yellowjackets. 

Following a bye date, the Jackets resumed action Tuesday, Feb.2 at Harmony and host district-leader Chapel Hill Friday. Chapel Hill is one game ahead of Mineola.