Jackets Pull Off Tough Win Over Cross State Rival

The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the cross state rival Towns County Indians. The Lady Jackets had yet to face the Indians this year, however the boys had in the Battle of the States tournament in which they dominated in all facets of the game by a score of 61-47.

The Lady Jackets entered with a 7-3 record. Hayesville got off to a hot start offensively scoring on three of their first four shots. Foster dominated the paint in quarter one as she pulled down six rebounds and blocked one shot. The Lady Jackets jumped out to grab a 14-12 lead after the first period. Hayesville remained consistent in the first half as they held on to lead 28-24 at the half. Annis led the Lady Jackets with thirteen points! Despite being offensively sound and consistent in the first half the offense seemed to struggle in the second half. The Lady Jackets were handicapped as 3 point specialist Rickett was in foul trouble and saw limited minutes. The Lady Indians managed to grab a hold of the lead entering the fourth as they led 37-33. The Lady Jackets managed to regain the lead and win despite the Indians Shook having a chance to win the game with a three at the buzzer. Annis led the Lady Jackets with 16 points. By a score of 40-39 the Lady Jackets improve to 8-3.

The Jackets followed by tipping off at eight holding a 6-4 record. The Jackets were victorious in the previous meeting against the Indians. The Indians limited the shots of the Jackets as they struggled to find open shots. The Indians smothering defense held Hayesville to eight in the first. The Jackets trailed 10-8 after the first period. Hayesville started to find stride and began to find themselves some open shots as H. Mcclure led them with five points during the second period. The Jackets trailed 26-22 at the halftime intermission. Hayesville continued to find open quality shots in the second half as the Indians defense was more relaxed in their attack. The Jackets were led by Sr Cook in the third as he scored on two layups and collected four rebounds. The Jackets managed to grab a lead entering the fourth as they led 37-36. Hayesville would manage to pull of the win in front of a packed and electric crowd against rival Towns County, The Indians had an chance to tie the game with 1.3 seconds left but couldn’t manage to go the length of the court and score. The Jackets pulled away with a 53-52 victory to escape with a 7-4 record. McTaggert and H Mcclure led the Jackets with 14 points each.

Both Jacket teams will travel to Swain to face off in a conference matchup Tuesday, January 8th. The Jacket teams look to improve their  spot in the conference standings as both teams sit in third place.