Little wonder that the Grand Saline Indians made a deep run in the football playoffs last fall. Their athleticism, size and quickness were on display last Friday as they defeated the Yellowjackets in Mineola 56-35.

That combination of characteristics was employed on both sides of the court. Defensively, Grand Saline predominantly used a zone defense which sought to interdict passing above the key thereby preventing the offense from switching the ball quickly. 

Once having secured the ball, the Indians attacked, at times with long passes ahead. They were particularly adept at attacking the basket and laying the ball off to a teammate for an uncontested score.

The Grand Saline team featured five players of at least six feet in height. More importantly in their scheme, those basketballers were large, not just tall, and the physical presence was used to their great advantage in defending, closing the basket in the lane and rebounding.

The Indians opened on a 7-point run, prompting a Mineola time out. A double technical foul by Mineola buoyed an already productive Grand Saline attack, and the opening quarter ended 21-10, Grand Saline.

Midway through the second quarter and following a Mineola time out, there appeared some life in the Yellowjackets. Ainsley Steward teamed with Aiden Shepherd to trap and steal the ball. Steward scored on the break and was fouled. The play seemed to give the team a surge of energy.

The Indians, however, were unrelenting. They promptly rattled off 9 straight points and took a 25-point lead into the half.

The third quarter was a scratch. The Jackets showed some resilience however, with Steward, Shepherd, Zane Strange and Chance Williams recording scores.

The Yellowjackets made a bit of a rally in the final quarter, but it was mostly housekeeping for the Indians, who retained a 20-point advantage throughout. 

The next chance to catch the Jackets at home is Friday, Jan. 10, as they host the Edgewood Bulldogs.