ackets fought off a second-half comeback by the visiting Rains Wildcats to register a 53-40 win Saturday. 

Mineola jetted to a quick lead by leveraging turnovers created off their press and playing at a fast pace. Both teams employed tight, man-to-man defense. The Jackets got the better of the course of play throughout the first half and took a 13-point lead into the halftime break.   

Rains collected themselves and went on a 14-point run in the third period, when the Mineola shooting hand went stone cold. At the quarter break, the Jackets led 36-28. 

The Jackets opened the lead throughout the final period. They did it with composure on the ball, ranging in on jump shots from mid-range, two offensive rebound put-backs by Steven Reyes and two 3-pointers from Chance Williams.

Ainsley Steward once again led the Mineola scorers with 23 points. Williams joined him in double figures. Other scorers for Mineola were Beckam Bowker and Zane Strange. 

The Mineola squad is hitting the road in December with games at Chapel Hill, North Lamar and Kilgore and tournaments in Mabank, Brownsboro and Van. Their next home game will be the district opener on Friday, Jan. 2 as they host Eustace.