The 2025-26 Yellowjacket basketball campaign came to an end with 2:08 on the clock in the second quarter of the bi-district championship game last Tuesday in Hallsville. At that moment, senior Zane Strange lined up a three-pointer to draw Mineola to within six points of the Tatum Eagles. 

The Jackets had overcome a first quarter storm by the Eagles, who had built an 18-8 lead at the quarter break. 

Mineola came back by maintaining their composure, shoring up their defensive play and employing Yellowjacket basketball on the offensive end. 

Ainsley Steward hit a jumper off of an inbound set in the offensive zone.  Strange then sunk a jump shot in the lane, and Steward added two free throws. Kolton Garrigus scored on a baseline drive before Strange registered his three-pointer.

Suddenly, the Jackets had made it a real contest.

Tatum is the reigning 3A state champion, and they field another very talented team this year. The Eagles have a combination of speed, height, and basketball talent which will surely make another run at state this year.

They flipped a switch in the last two minutes of the half, going on a 9-0 run before the half. It extended the Tatum lead to 15 points.

Tatum continued the rally in the third quarter, rattling off 14 points unanswered. The Eagles outscored the Jackets by 13 points in the third period. Mineola captured the fourth period by five points, but the game was long decided. 

True to the work ethic of Mineola athletics, the Jackets scored the last points of the game just before the buzzer sounded with a layup from senior Chance Williams.