The Hayesville Yellow Jackets will be traveling to Chatham Charter on Saturday, Feb. 29, to play in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs. The Yellow Jackets beat Chatham Charter last year in the playoffs. Yet, last year Chatham Charter traveled to Hayesville while this year it is reversed. Hayesville will be making the five-plus hour trip to Chatham, it will be their first road game in the playoffs. 

First Hayesville need to handle the road trip, long trips can be tough. You cannot stay focused for the entirety of such a long trip, but need to find the right time to start dialing it in. Hayesville will need to find a way to slow down senior Jordan Hamilton who is averaging 20.2 points per game and 9.4 rebounds per game. Hamilton is also averaging 19 points and 12.5 rebounds in the playoffs. As well, Chatham Charter has five players averaging eight points per game. Four of those five players are seniors as well so they are a very experienced team.

Here is what Hayesville head coach Mike Cottrell had to say about the upcoming third-round game.

1. Big win over Pine Lake Prep any thoughts on your teams second round win?

Great win in front of an inspired hometown crowd.  Team played tough down the stretch and found some things on defense that were effective.  Team is getting better at adjusting to game and different opponents.

2. What do you know about Chatham Charter your second round opponent?

Very good team.  Play well together. Great ball movement.  Share the ball. Have a very skilled smart post player that leads them.  Will have to figure a way to guard him effectively.

3. How do quick turnarounds only 1 day between games and a long road trip change how you get ready for games?

We will keep things as normal as possible.  Same practice plan. Kids are focused and used to playing this type of schedule.  Travel is always tough but I think our people will show up and support this team like they have done all year.  Have to go on the road and win a few to do what they want. Great experience.

4. What does your team need to do to win and advance on Saturday?

Continue to play great defense.  Adjust to game situations and continue to get better at execution on both ends of the floor.

Here is what Chatham Charter head coach Jason Messier had to say about the upcoming third-round game.

1. What do you know about your 3rd round opponent Hayesville?

We played them in the second round of the state playoffs last year, so we have some familiarity with them.

2. Describe your team a little, what do you do well, do you play fast slow, like to press etc.

We have a good group of young men that play hard and leave everything they have on the court.

3. How is your team’s overall health coming into this game?

We are as healthy as we have been all season.

4. What does your team need to do to win on Saturday?

Play our game. Limit turnovers, rebound and play solid defense.

This game has the potential to be the best game in the state on Saturday. TeamFYNSports will be giving updates every quarter and multiple updates in the fourth quarter. 

To get updates or see how the Yellow Jackets have done tune in to all the latest coverage TeamFYNSports on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at https://claync.fetchyournews.com/category/teamfynsports