On Monday night January 27th, the Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Franklin Panthers. The last time these two teams met Hayesville lost in heartbreaking fashion missing a shot at the buzzer losing 61-60. Tonight’s result was opposite in fashion, the Panthers had a chance to win at the buzzer but saw their shot get blocked. Hayesville steady offense from star sophomore duo of Jake McTaggart and Sophomore Kolbe Ashe led the way for a 47 to 45 point win.

Sophomore Kolbe Ashes assists to an open teammate in the corner.

In the first quarter fans saw Franklin break out to an early lead hitting some big threes along the way. The Yellow Jackets struggled defensively in the quarter missing a few switches leading to  the panthers getting some easy points. The Yellow Jackets trailed 17-8 to end the first quarter, the only quarter in which they would end trailing. 

Head coach Mike Cottrell would make some changes defensively and Hayesville did not allow more than 11 points in any other quarter. They also found their offense in the second quarter scoring seventeen points of their own. They ran several great sets to get their players some great looks at the hoop. None better than the last play of the quarter where they ran a great play for Junior Blake McClure. He did not disappoint as he hit a three as the buzzer sounded to give the Yellow Jackets a 25-24 point lead. 

In the third quarter the Franklin Panthers showed no quit though and would not go away easily. It was a back and forth affair with both teams trading punches. Hayesville got one basket each from four different players in the quarter out of the flow of their patented motion offense. Each time it felt like Hayesville may have a chance to pull away though Franklin would have an answer. The quarter ended with the two teams tied at 34 points each, going into the fourth it was anybody’s game for the taking.

The Yellow Jackets did just that making a few more plays down the stretch than their opponent. Hayesville slowed down the pace but were successful in getting great looks for their star sophomore duo and they rewarded the faith with several big time baskets. Then with a small lead Hayesville played keep away on two straight possessions before Junior Hayden McClure got fouled on each. 

Sophomore Jake McTaggart hits a three.

He cashed in those opportunities going 3-4 from the free throw line to increase Hayesvilles lead. Then on the last possession of the game McTaggart made what had to be the play of the game. Franklin down two was not looking to play for overtime. They wanted a three and the win. McTaggart fell for a pump fake and it looked like the panthers would have a good look. Yet McTaggart quickly jumped again and just barely got a piece of the ball assuring the Hayesville victory.

Hayesville leaders for the night:

Kolbe Ashe 16 points

Jake McTaggart 14 points

Hayden McClure 9 points

Hayesville will next play on the road, at Rosman on Tuesday night January the 28th. The first time these two teams met Hayesville had a lopsided 71-24 victory. Look for Hayesville to do much of the same and continue their win streak. 

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