The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Highlands Highlanders on Monday evening, Jan. 6, for a non-conference matchup. The Yellow Jackets are still developing, trying to find out who is going to get the important rebounds and be secondary scorers. Hayesville is still working on some rotations and finding out who all fits together well. Some of those answers are starting to become clearer and a few players are starting to step up to grab those roles.

Junior Paul White runs off a screen ready to receive a pass.

In the first quarter of Monday’s game, Hayesville came out early with some aggressive play looking to strike for an early lead. The game was a physical early, especially on the Highlands end. Their play was a little too physical, and they were were called for several early fouls. Even with a few opportunities missed, Hayesville was able to take a 12-7 lead heading into the second quarter thanks to junior Brady Shooks’ six first-quarter points.

Highlands was not going away early and their star sophomore Reid Carrier carried them in the second quarter. They were able to cut into Hayesville’s lead by outscoring the Yellow Jackets 17-15 in the second quarter. That took the score to Hayesville 27, Highlands 24 at the half. Kolbe Ashe had a big second quarter with eight points, which included going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. 

Going into the third quarter, the game was still very much up for grabs. Both teams had the opportunity to make adjustments and take a stranglehold on the game. The Yellow Jackets’ sophomore duo of Jake McTaggart and Ashe both had four points, as did junior Hayden McClure. With that the Yellow Jackets were able to double their lead from three points to six points by the end of the quarter. Finishing the quarter with a 41-35 lead the Yellow Jackets were ready to finish it off in the fourth.

Sophomore Kolbe Ashe shoots a free throw.

Hayesville’s game plan was simple and effective in the fourth quarter, get the ball to McTaggart and let him go to work. He started off with his first touch being a great score through traffic getting fouled and finishing off by making the free throw for the old fashioned three-point play. McTaggart had nine points in the quarter. Along with Hayesville’s stellar fourth quarter defense, the Highlanders did not have a chance for a comeback. The game was capped off with Hayesville junior Tyler Jones making some important free throws to put it out of reach, 61-41.

Hayesville will play again tonight, traveling to take on the Hiwassee Dam Eagles. To get updates or see how the Yellow Jackets have done, tune in to all the latest coverage FYN sports on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at https://claync.fetchyournews.com/category/teamfynsports