The Mineola Lady Jackets weathered a stiff challenge from the visiting Edgewood Lady Bulldogs last Tuesday and ended the night as district co-champions. The 49-36 win earned Mineola a 10-2 district record and lined up the Lady Jackets with a bi-district championship game on Monday.

Edgewood leveraged their large-bodied line-up to control the lane, while their capable guards proved to be a challenge for Mineola’s press. 

The teams ran similar schemes, employing a hounding man-to-man and an effective press. The Lady Jackets proved to be more than up to the challenge.

Midway through the second period, it was still a one-point game. Mineola began to win the battle of the presses. In the first half, Mineola pressure forced three backcourt violations by Edgewood. 

The home side finished the half with a 14-3 scoring differential. As has become her role, Kali Chrietzberg jump-started the scoring with back-to-back 3-pointers. Kaitlyn McMahon then sunk a 3-pointer on a play in which she called for the ball. 

A friendly bounce off the iron saw Caroline Castleberry’s corner 3-pointer fall through, and Canyon Redding concluded the scoring in the first half with a jumper in the lane. 

At the half, Mineola held a 27-18 lead.

Edgewood closed the score twice in the third period. On both occasions it was the aggressive play of Redding that derailed any Edgewood rally. Redding has become a dominant rebounder and has developed a deadly short jump shot which she can put on target even when under great pressure.  

The Lady Jackets owned the final period, retaining their composure as the game reached the final exhausting phase. 

Chrietzberg and Redding each tallied 15 points. McMahon, Adelyn Steward, and Marley Johnson also etched the scorecard.

The Lady Jackets faced the Gladewater Lady Bears for bi-district Monday, Feb. 16 at Tyler Junior College.