On Tuesday night January 21st, Hayesville hosted rival the Murphy Bulldogs. The last time these two teams played it was a hotly contested matchup with Hayesville pulling out a close victory at the end. This game was a different story, Hayesville came out shooting hot and stayed that way for almost the entire game. Murphy could never catch up and Hayesville cruised to an easy 68-38 win.

Sophomore Jake McTaggart lines one up from three.

In the first quarter Hayesville started hot scoring 22 points. Murphy played back and forth with Hayesville in the first few minutes but then Hayesville Junior Blake McClure erupted with a crazy hot streak. By himself he tied Murphys scoring total in the first quarter with 14 points going 4 of 7 from three. It was good to see McClure do this as he had been in a bit of an offensive slump. Hayesville finished the quarter with a 22-14 lead and would look to continue their hot start in the second quarter.

Hayesville still got good production offensively in the second quarter but put a defensive stranglehold on Murphy. They held the Bulldogs to only 5 points in the second quarter and seemingly put the game away by halftime. Hayesville had a 37-19 lead going into the half and would continue to increase their lead in the third quarter.

At the start of the third Hayesville immediately extended their lead to ensure Murphy would have no chance of a comeback. Six different players scored in the quarter as Hayesville was getting contributions from everyone. On a night when they celebrated head coach Michael Cottrells 400th win the team was clicking on all cylinders. The quarter ended with the Yellow Jackets doubling the Bulldogs effort scoring wise 56-28. 

In the 4th quarter Hayesville was able to get good efforts from many of their reserves. Getting buckets from five different players and not letting the Bulldogs gain any ground. Hayesvilles role players given the opportunity played well even with many of the Murphy starters still in the game. In a runaway Hayesville won 68-38 leaving no doubt of who the better team was this night.

Hayesville leaders for the night:

Blake McClure 16 points

Jake McTaggart 16 points

Mark Cothren 9 points

Brady Shook 8 points

Kolbe Ashe 7 points

This Hayesville team is starting to round into form and that should be a scary proposition for future opponents. This Hayesville has as high as a ceiling as any team in the area and even though they are still very young expectations are starting to rise. 

Hayesville will next play on the road, at Robbinsville to take on the Black Knights Friday January 24th. The last time these two teams Hayesville was given a test by the Knights who will be looking to defend home court.

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