The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets traveled to Hiwassee Dam on Friday night to take on the Lady Eagles. This was a non conference matchup but a good opportunity for Hayesville to continue their momentum from a win earlier in the week. After a good start to the game it looked like the Lady Jackets may be able to do just that. Yet offensive woes hit hard in the second half and they lost in a nail biter 40-38.

 

The first quarter went back and forth with both teams making good on a few early opportunities. Hayesville came out in their 2-2-1 press early in the game, forcing turnovers early and often. Yet even with the stolen possessions, the Lady Jackets struggled to finish around the basket after their early success. Hayesville got their offense going though late in the quarter though making several long jumpers, building a first quarter lead of 15-5.

 

It was evident that the Lady Eagles offense was going to flow through their post scoring. Hayesvilles defense was stifling the guards but struggling to stop it when Hiwassee Dam got the ball in the post. As well the free throw opportunities were plentiful behind some happy whistles. This was partially responsible for the Lady Eagles cutting into the lead. Hayesville, hot from three, were able to maintain a lead going into halftime 23-17.

 

The third quarter has been a struggle offensively for the Lady Jackets this season and this night was no different. While getting some open looks, it felt like there was a lid on the basket. Yet because of their always stellar defense the Lady Jackets were able to keep their lead going into the fourth quarter. Also due to two late three pointers extending the lead to 32-26 even after some frustrating misses. 

 

Going into the fourth quarter it felt like the game could be slipping away from the Lady Jackets. Hiwassee Dam got a few early points to make it a one possession game. Hayesville did not just go away though, they answered with some key baskets of their own. It was a very entertaining fourth quarter from both teams, going back and forth with each possession feeling more important than the last.

 

Due to a few untimely turnovers though the Lady Eagles were able to fight all the way back and take a late fourth quarter lead, their first of the game. With the deficit at four Hayesville got a big three from junior Lila Payne to cut it to one. Hayesville had two straight possessions with a chance to take the lead but couldn’t get good shots to fall. Hiwassee Dam had a chance to push their lead beyond reach but missed several free throw opportunities. The Lady Jackets though could not get a single shot to fall in the closing moments losing 40-38.

 

Hayesville leading scorers:

Lila Payne 18 points

Brianna Foster 8 points

The Lady Yellow Jackets next play on Tuesday, February 2nd hosting the Robbinsville Lady Black Knights. To get updates or see how the Yellow Jackets have done tune in to all the latest coverage FYN sports on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at https://claync.fetchyournews.com/category/teamfynsports.