The Mineola Lady Jackets got back to their winning ways with a convincing 62-30 win over the Quinlan-Ford Lady Panthers in the opening round of the Lady Jacket Classic last week.

The squad used a 13-0 first quarter run – mostly fueled by very efficient full-court press – to get a jump on the Lady Panthers. Mineola was undeterred by the early, 9:15, start time and came out in full sync. That big run included three excellent assists, two by Macy Fischer and one by Jayla Jackson. 

Mylee Fischer had her most productive game of the year. Making great use of inside space, she paced the Lady Jackets with 19 points and demonstrated great awareness around the basket. A renewed confidence in finishing characterized the Lady Jackets throughout the game.

When not confidently driving to the basket for a lay-up or a short jumper, Mineola was moving the ball around the perimeter. Just before the half-time break, the Lady Jackets moved the ball completely around the perimeter twice to free up an inside pass. Once the ball was at the deep post, Ford collapsed the defense, and the Lady Jackets kicked the ball back out to Kapri Riley who chalked up a 3-point score. It was a great example of the crisp and unselfish play Mineola demonstrated.

At the half the score stood 38-14, Mineola. 

The Lady Jackets relaxed the press in the second half, although they always pressured the ball at half-court. 

Their offensive production continued in the third quarter. They tallied an additional 15 points, led by guard Macy Fischer and winger Kyra Jackson.  Both finished the game in double figures.  

With a large, secure lead, the scoring fell off in the final quarter. The Lady Jackets maintained their businesslike manner throughout and saw some great passages of play in that final quarter. Late in the game, Paris Spigner drove the baseline but pulled up to hit a beautiful ten-foot jump shot.

The Lady Jackets faced Bullard the following afternoon.