The Lady Yellow Jackets fall in conference matchup at Cherokee

Junior Lizzy Brusini dribbles through traffic.

The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets traveled to take on the Cherokee Lady Indians on Tuesday night, Jan. 14. Cherokee won the game 74-56 with a fantastic offensive output that the Lady Yellow Jackets could not keep up with. Cherokee is a notoriously difficult place to play with one of the best home court advantages in the conference. Rarely is there a time when teams travel to Cherokee that they do not have a large crowd supporting the home team.

Senior Jade Patterson makes a three pointer.

In the first quarter the Lady Yellow Jackets did not get off to best start but did manage to score 11 points in the quarter. Yet because of some good defense they were able to hold the Lady Indians to only 13 points. Hayesville finished the quarter trailing 13-11 with it still being very much anyone’s game.

In the second quarter Hayesville was able to increase their offensive output scoring 15 points in the quarter. Yet it mattered little as Cherokee’s offense got hot and managed to score an incredible 22 points in the quarter. Hayesville defense was not perfect but credit the Lady Indians who made some tough shots. Hayesville went into halftime looking to make some adjustments with Cherokee holding a 35-26 lead.

In the third quarter though Cherokee carried over their hot shooting and increased their lead. It was starting to look like it just was not the Lady Yellow Jackets night. Hayesville ended the quarter trailing 56-40 and seemingly did not have an answer for the Lady Indians on this night.

Kynnly McClure skies high to recieve a pass from her teammate

In the fourth quarter with a 16-point lead, the Lady Indians offense just continued to produce. To the tune of 18 fourth quarter points. Hayesville managed their best scoring quarter of the night with 16 points themselves. Unfortunately Cherokee was able to control the pace the majority of the night and won 74-56. These two teams will meet again and don’t be surprised if you see Hayesville play them much closer in the comfort of their own gym.

Hayesville leaders for the night:

Jade Patterson, senior: 24 points; 8-of-12 from the 3-point line.

Brianna Foster, junior: 11 points and nine rebounds

Hayesville will next play at home, hosting the Nantahala Lady Hawks on Friday night, Jan. 17.

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Caleb Tallman