The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets hosted the Polk Co. Lady Wolverines in the first round of the NCHSAA state playoffs Tuesday night. Hayesville the 15 seed having home court advantage over Polk Co. the 18 seed. This game had all the makings of a great playoff matchup. The game did not disappoint with it being a four quarter battle that Hayesville pulled out 45 to 43 to move on to the second round. 

Junior Lizzy Brusini makes a three pointer.

In the first quarter Polk Co. got off to a good start and garnered an early lead. The Lady Yellow Jackets battled back though and were able to grind out a three point lead to end the quarter. 

In the second quarter it was a low scoring affair with both teams playing great defense. It wasn’t that either team was missing good shots, it was that neither team was allowing good looks. The defense was stifling with each team’s few points coming on either fast breaks or offensive rebounds. Regardless the Lady Yellow Jackets were able to keep their lead despite Polk Co. outscoring them by one point in the quarter. This gave them a lead 18-16 going into the Halftime break. 

In the third quarter Hayesville started to press the Lady Wolverines and got some great results. The Lady Yellow Jackets were able to force turnovers and get some easy baskets. It was a battle though and a very physical game. The third quarter ended with Hayesville leading 28-23.

In the fourth quarter the Lady Yellow Jackets press led to their best offensive quarter. They were able to increase their lead all the way up to nine points. Yet in the waning minutes of the game Polk Co. fought back and got it within a one possession game. Even through some mistakes Hayesville went five for six down the stretch from the free throw line. It looked like the game was about to slip away but because of made free throws for Hayesville and missed free throws for Polk Co. Hayesville was able to survive and advance. 

Senior Annie Brooks makes a late game free throw.

Hayesville leaders for the night:

Lizzy Brusini 17 points

Annie Brooks 12 points 6-6 FT 

Hayesville will next play in the 2nd round of the NCHSAA state playoffs at Alleghany on Thursday time TBA.

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