Ten days away from their district-opener, the Mineola Yellowjackets (2-4 on the season) needed a good measuring stick. They got it in the form of the Chapel Hill Red Devils. The visitors defeated the Jackets 60-36 last Tuesday. 

Chapel Hill simply didn’t allow the Yellowjackets to breathe in the first half of play. The Red Devils opened in a zone defense which they maintained throughout the first quarter.

The Chapel Hill zone was very disciplined, not allowing the slightest creases to be exploited. The Red Devils led 11-4 at the quarter break.

Chapel Hill transitioned to a man-to-man for the second quarter, with equally-effective results. 

Combine the practiced defense of the visitors with their very hot shooting hand – and a tough shooting night for the home side – and it translates into a 29-9 score at the half.    

Mineola began to function as a team in the third quarter. Caden Rupert worked himself into a bit of a groove, putting in six points. Two of those scores came on excellent assists from Zane Phillips and Curtis London. 

Phillips also scored off a London assist. 

The third quarter was a scratch with each team finding their way to the basket. Unforced errors continued to plague the Yellowjackets. A mishandled pass, errant throw or misstep near the boundary cost them just when it appeared that they might make a run at the Red Devils.

Early in the final quarter, Mineola closed the margin to 12 points. Colton McMahon scored on a strong drive, was fouled and converted a 3-point play. 

Consecutive scores from beyond the 3-point line by Chapel Hill ended the threat.

The visitors scored the final ten points to record the sizable margin. 

Mineola fans are not yet certain just what is the identity of the 2024-25 squad.  They have athleticism, height, quickness and the Mineola work ethic, but they just haven’t found their team identity yet.  

Once they do, they will be a team to reckon with. 

The next chance to catch the Yellowjackets at home is Friday, Jan. 3 as they host Grand Saline. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.