A lengthy scoring drought after Mineola had pulled within a point of Hooks led to a 56-43 defeat in Saturday’s regional finals basketball game in Prosper.

In a game that Mineola never led, and tied only once at 7-7 in the first quarter, the Yellowjackets hustled for a rally to open the second half.

Hooks took a 16-9 lead after one quarter, scoring the last five points of the period.

T.J. Moreland got the Mineola scoring started with a three-pointer and added two free throws and a basket on an assist from Dawson Pendergrass. Isaiah Gardner added Mineola’s other basket in the paint.

Hooks pulled ahead 20-9 to open the second quarter. Mineola fought back, with three Keke Martin threes aiding the effort. His third, following a Braydon Alley block, pulled the Jackets to within 26-22.

Moreland sank two free throws and Pendergrass score inside in the effort.

Hooks responded with a pair of threes sandwiched around a Pendergrass free throw, and a Moreland three got Mineola back within 32-26.

Hooks went into the break leading 35-26.

A 10-2 run after the half made it a game. Moreland hit a three followed by a short jumper. A Pendergrass basket followed two Hooks free throws. Another Moreland three brought the score to 37-36.

But the Jackets could not score the rest of the period. Three three-pointers missed the mark during the stretch, and Hooks headed into the final quarter with a 44-36 advantage.

After another Hooks basket to start the fourth, Pendergrass sank 1-2 free throws to make it 46-37.

The next three baskets belonged to Hooks, while two more Mineola three-point attempts missed the mark.

Braydon Alley finally broke the drought with a bucket. He added a free throw after another Hooks score and got the final Mineola points from three.

Two free throws gave Hooks the final margin.