Hayesville, NC- If you have been around high school girls basketball in the state of North Carolina over the past 40 years, odds are you’ve heard of Darryl McClure and his Hayesville basketball teams who captured a then record 6 straight state titles, from 1987-1993.

During intermission between the Varsity girls and Varsity boys games last night vs Murphy, Coach McClure recieved the highest coaching honor possible at Hayesville High School, as the gym was renamed in his honor. As of 2/11/24, the Hayesville High School Gymnasium is now known as the Darryl K. McClure Gymnasium, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy and contributions to the sport of basketball and Hayesville High.

During Coach McClure’s 22 years as Head Girls Basketball Coach, he amassed a 462 and 172 record, while leading his team to 7 Smoky Mountain Conference titles and 6 State Championships.

With great success comes great recognition, and Coach McClure has been acknolwedged through many prestigious awards.

– 7x SMC Coach of The Year

– 6x NCHSAA Coach of The Year

– 2x Associated Press COTY

– 1x Greensboro News and Record COTY

– 2x Blue-White All-Star game Head Coach

– 1x NCHSAA East-West All-Star Game Head Coach

– 1x Shrine Bowl All-Star Game Head Coach

– International Junior Olympic Coach

– NCHSAA Top 100 Coach

– Coached 8 D-1 Athletes

Congratulations to Coach McClure and his family. Darryl K. McClure Gymnasium will host the final game of the regular season on Thursday as the Jackets host the Robbinsville Black Knights, and then will host all 4 days of the SMC Tournament starting this Saturday.