Watching the Jackson sisters warm up before the bi-district match-up against Gladewater, it just wasn’t a clean session. Neither of the two were pleased. However, once the shots began to count, both Lady Jackets were on target.

Jayla Jackson finished with a team-leading 14 points and Kyra chalked up 13 as the Mineola Lady Jackets earned a bi-district title with a 47-34 win over the Gladewater Lady Bears last Tuesday in Tyler.

Kyra, along with teammate Kali Chrietzberg, probed the seams in the Lady Bears’ formidable zone defense while Jayla posted up in those long-range sweet spots which she favors. 

Mixed in with these efforts was the expected Mineola pressure. The Lady Jackets forced a half dozen turnovers in the first quarter and consistently nicked the ball away from the Lady Bears throughout the game.  

Mineola was better organized, more aware and demonstrated better basketball acumen than their opponents. Despite competing against two very large-framed post players, the Lady Jackets dominated the rebounding battle. 

Mineola finished the first half on a high note when Kyra Jackson took a hard charging foul. The Lady Jackets went to the half up by 11 points, 27-16. 

Despite generating excellent shooting opportunities in the third quarter, the Mineola shooting hand went cold. Gladewater staged the only challenge of the game, as they closed the score to a five-point deficit at the quarter break.

The Lady Jackets started the final quarter with a 10-0 run. Jayla Jackson sunk three free throws and hit a 3-pointer with a Mahayla McMahon assist. McMahon scored on an inbound play and Chrietzberg on a drive. In a quick four minutes, Mineola had opened a 15-point lead.

The Lady Jackets are playing cohesive, unselfish basketball.