Hayesville Boys Get Big Win Now in Poll Position in Conference
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports January 27, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Swain Maroon Devils in a big conference matchup on Tuesday night. This game marked the halfway point in conference play. With Swain in second and Hayesville in first with a one game lead, this game was to decide who might be the top team in the conference. It was a back and forth game but thanks to a strong 4th quarter Hayesville grinded out a big win. This now gives Hayesville a two game lead in the conference.
Blake McClure makes a tough catch and finishes for two points.
In the first quarter there was plenty of Yellow Jacket offense, getting off to a great start setting an early tone. Hayesville got scoring from six different players, paced by sophomore Kyle Lunsford who had six early points. Swain got a few early buckets and looked like they may stay on pace with Hayesville in the quarter. Towards the end of the quarter, Hayesville tightened up their defense and were able to build a lead. The Yellow Jackets finished the quarter leading 20-12.
In the second quarter Hayesvilles offense was still humming and once again, spread the scoring around. The Yellow Jackets got scoring from five different players in the quarter and almost matched their first quarter scoring output. Yet in this quarter Swain started to heat up, scoring 17 points of their own to make sure Hayesville would not run away with it. The game went to the halftime break with Hayesville leading 39-29.
In the third quarter Swain fought hard and were able to outpace the Jackets for the first time all game. This was thanks to a huge output by their star center Isaiah Collins who had 12 of his 25 points on the night in the third quarter. In the meantime Hayesvilles offense struggled in the quarter and Swain was able to shrink the lead to a one possession game. At the end of the quarter Hayesville was holding onto a 49-47 lead, with it looking like anyone’s game.
Kolbe Ashes drills a mid range jumper.
Typically this season the fourth quarter has belonged to star guard Kolbe Ashe but not on this night. Swain refused to let Ashe beat them single handedly as he has many other opponents this year. With the defense tight on Ashe he made some great passes and was awesome leading the break. Many of those passes went to senior guard Paul White who had a breakout night. He led the Jackets in fourth quarter scoring with 9 points.
It was great to see some other Yellow Jackets step up on this night in the battle for first place in the conference. As opponents put more and more focus on Kolbe Ashe, it is leaving other Yellow Jackets with scoring opportunities and they are coming up clutch, just as White did tonight. Hayesville finished the game off winning 68-58 securing their poll position in the Smoky Mountain Conference.
Watch Senior Guard Paul White discuss his team’s big win and his strong fourth quarter performance.
Hayesville leading scorers:
Kolbe Ashe: 20 points
Paul White: 13 points
Blake McClure: 10 points
Kyle Lunsford: 8 points
Asher Brown: 7 points
Hayesville will next play at Hiwassee Dam on Friday, January 29th. 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.
Yellow Jackets Win on Senior Night
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports February 6, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted their rival Murphy Bulldogs on senior night. This game was a tough physical battle from start to finish. Hayesville went blow for blow with Murphy all game and never lost their head. Credit to not only their physical toughness but their mental toughness. Especially with the trash talk being constant from the Bulldogs players and bench all night. Thanks to a great fourth quarter the Yellow Jackets pulled away winning 60-46.
In the first quarter Hayesville got out to an early lead thanks to a 7-0 run. The Yellow Jackets went cold late in the quarter unable to extend their lead further. Yet due to some great defense and rebounding Hayesville was able to hold Murphy to just four points in the quarter. This gave the Yellow Jackets a 9-4 lead heading into the second quarter.
At the start of the second quarter Murphy started to fight back and appeared ready to give Hayesville a tough game. It was back and forth for much of the quarter with Bulldogs outsourcing the Yellow Jackets in the quarter. Murphy had the chance to narrow the lead further as Abram Abling stole the ball and got a good look at the basket to end the quarter but just missed. Hayesville went into halftime leading 20-17 but the Bulldogs had gained some important momentum.
In the third quarter the Bulldogs chipped away at the lead even further getting it down to just one point. Yet Hayesville never shied away from the challenge coming back strong late in the quarter with some big plays by Kolbe Ashe. He made two threes in the quarter, got fouled on another three pointer making all three and had an old-fashioned and one three point play in the quarter. Simply put Murphy had no answer for him. This resulted with Hayesville ending the quarter with a 39-32 point lead looking to close it out.
Hayesville responded with a big fourth quarter scoring wise leaving Murphy no chance at a comeback. Hayesville scored 21 in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach and vaulted them to a double digit win 60-46. This game not only put Hayesville one step closer to a conference championship but also kept them undefeated on the season. Hayesville now stands just three wins away from at least a share of the conference championship.
Hayesville leading scorers:
Kolbe Ashe: 26 points
Kyle Lunsford: 10 points
Blake McClure: 10 points
Brady Shook: 9 points
To see post game interview with star guard Kolbe Ashe click below:
Senior Jose Espinal
Senior Tyler Jones
Senior Blake McClure
Senior Eli Roberts
Senior Rudy Seaker
Senior Brady Shook
Senior Paul White
Hayesville Wins big Big Over Cherokee
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports January 20, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Cherokee Braves in an important conference matchup. This game was one that would start to clarify what the top of the conference might look like. The Yellow Jackets played one of their better second halves you will see from them all season. They stifled the Braves with their press and executed really well on offense. The Yellow Jackets dominated the second half, helping them to a 61-44 win.
Logan Caldwell darts through traffic towards the hoop.
In the first quarter, it was back and forth with both teams fighting hard for every point. The Yellow Jackets were playing great defense but the Braves were hitting some tough shots. The first quarter ended with what should have been a Hayesville lead. They had a one point lead and were holding for the last shot. Yet they had an ill advised turnover leading to Cherokee hitting a last second shot. That allowed Cherokee to escape the first quarter with a 14-13 lead.
Hayesvilles offense started humming in the second quarter getting buckets in a variety of ways. This is while Cherokee stopped hitting the tough shots they were in the first quarter. This allowed Hayesville to take the lead and never look back. They finished the half leading 32-25 looking to extend their lead beyond reach in the second half.
In the third quarter Hayesville started to use their press defense, giving Cherokee all kinds of troubles. The Braves were either turning the ball over or forcing tough shots. It felt like almost all of Hayesvilles points were coming off turnovers. It also helped that every Hayesville player was contributing. Seven different Yellow Jackets scored in the quarter and they were able to stretch their lead out even further. Ending the third quarter Hayesville had a 48-32 lead.
Blake McClure feeds a perfect pass to Brady Shook on the fastbreak.
With the game seemingly out of reach in the fourth quarter the Yellow Jackets did nothing to give the Braves any hope. Still in their press and scoring efficiently the Yellow Jackets execution was as good as fans could hope to see. Every single Yellow Jacket player scored in the game making it an all around team win. With Hayesvilles 61-44 win they continue to stay undefeated at the top of the conference.
To see a post game interview with senior guard Blake McClure click the link below.
https://fb.watch/37-wDrPRNL/
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets will next play on Friday night taking their longest road trip of the season up to Rosman. 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.
Hayesville Wins to Stay Undefeated on the Season
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports January 16, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Andrews Wildcats on Friday evening in an important conference matchup.
In the first quarter the game looked as if it was going to be a good matchup as the teams went back and forth. It was easy to tell what type of team Andrews is looking to be this year as they were letting threes fly early and often. They knocked down a few of those looks and built an early lead. Hayesville was still very much in striking distance though looking to pull close towards the end of the quarter. Even with a strong effort to end the quarter Hayesville trailed Andrews 17-12 to end the first quarter.
The Yellow Jackets charged back quickly to open the 2nd quarter. As Senior Blake McClure had 5 straight points to open the second quarter and bring the game back even. The Yellow Jackets carried McClure’s early momentum into team success as they played probably their best quarter of basketball this season. They held Andrews to just 10 points in the quarter while scoring 19 themselves. With a differential of plus nine for the Yellow Jackets in the quarter they held a 31-27 lead at the half.
The second half started slow with both teams ratcheting up the defense and the buckets hard to find. About halfway through the second quarter though the Yellow Jackets started to find their groove again and put some points on the board. A large part of this was due to their press defense that caused turnovers and helped them get some easier looks. With the Hayesville offense humming to end the quarter, they were able to extend their lead 45-36 going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter had plenty of scoring early, but Hayesville was able to incrementally build on their lead, to a point where it was out of reach. As a common theme coming down the stretch of many games this year for the Yellow Jackets Kolbe Ashe took over. Making several big baskets down the stretch left Andrews with no chance for a last minute comeback. Hayesville won 68-54, staying undefeated on the season.
The Yellow Jackets will next play Tuesday, January 19th. They will play host the Cherokee Braves, in a conference matchup. 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
Yellow Jackets Take Down Rival Bulldogs
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports January 12, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets traveled to Murphy on Tuesday night to take on their rivals the Murphy Bulldogs. While in the past few years Hayesville has dominated this match up, you always have to come ready to play when facing a rival. The game was a close one throughout with Hayesville sustaining a narrow lead for the majority of the game. With some solid free throw shooting and good ball control Hayesville was able to secure a 64-56 win on the night.
Logan Caldwell lines up a three point shot.
In the first quarter Hayesville was executing well on offense and rebounding really well. Hayesville got scoring from five different players in the quarter. Led by Paul While who had 7 first quarter points. Hayesville after having been roughed up by Robbinsville in their last game came ready to be more physical in this contest. They did not shy away from the contact and there was plenty of contact from the first quarter all the way through the fourth quarter.
Hayesville carried an 18-11 lead going into the second quarter and appeared ready to extend their lead even further. That is until Murphy’s Dillon Brown got hot off the bench, scoring 13 2nd quarter points to keep the Bulldogs in it. Hayesville’s defense was focused on Murphy star Abram Abling leaving Brown several open looks from three. Credit to the Jackets though because after the half, they made adjustments and held Brown to only two second half points.
At the half Hayesville had a 33-28 lead and it looked to be anybody’s game. In the second half though Hayesville was getting steady contributions from multiple players. Each time Murphy made an adjustment it seemed another Hayesville player would step up. One of those players Brady Shook, had one of the better nights of his career. Shook scored 12 points and had a bunch of rebounds but possibly most importantly played great defense on Murphy’s star Abling all night. While Abling did have 19 points but he had a low percentage from the field and took lots of shots to get that 19. Hayesville ended the third quarter with a 48-41 lead.
Brady Shooks fights off a defender for a tough 2 points.
Going into the fourth quarter Murphy’s bench received a technical, gifting Hayesville two free throws and possession to start the quarter. This hurt the Bulldogs as it allowed Hayesville to extend their lead even more. Making the Bulldogs comeback attempt that much tougher. The game was incredibly physical and while no flagrants were called on the night several times referees discussed the possibility. Fans on both sides probably wanted a few flagrants called, yet it’s early in the year and just as the players are getting into their groove, so are the referees.
Hayesville possessed the ball well and hit their free throws down the stretch. This allowed them to handle any comeback attempt and put the game away winning 64-56 over their rival.
Postgame quotes from Hayesville head coach Michael Cottrell:
“Thought it was a very good road win”
When asked about Brady Shooks performance
“That’s what we expect to see and that’s what we have been seeing in practice. Was glad to see him play well he had a really tough assignment”
“We need to clean up some of the stuff we are struggling with early in the season, we don’t have long but we clean them up and we will have a nice team.”
Leading scorers:
Kolbe Ashe: 19 points
Brady Shooks: 12 points
Paul White: 11 points
Kyle Lunsford 10 points
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets will next play on Friday hosting the Andrews Wildcats. 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
Hayesville Yellow Jackets Win Big in Season Opener
Hayesville Basketball, TeamFYNSports January 6, 2021
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Nantahala Hawks on Tuesday night. This was their home opening game, as well as their first game of the season. The Yellow Jackets had great energy and it was obvious they were excited to be back on the court after an extended offseason. Hayesville was the superior team in this game and played like it all night long.
Tyler Jones finishes the fastbreak.
The Yellow Jackets started off with a bang to start the season. Senior Brady Shook stole a pass and dunked the ball with a two hand tomahawk. Normally this would have brought thunderous cheers from Hayesvilles student section. Yet with Covid restrictions and only twenty five fans in the gym it was a much different environment. Yet that did not stop the Yellow Jackets high paced action all night.
The first half belonged completely to the Yellow Jackets, who rotated a full five players regularly. Both the first and second units ran the floor hard and had numerous fast break finishes. Between good defense and the fast break the Hawks got down early and never had a chance to get back in it. The first half closed with Hayesville leading 50-20.
Eli Roberts rises above his opponent for a strong finish.
In the second half Hayesville went on an early run stretching their lead out to 40 which resulted in a running clock. Give the Hawks credit they did have several deep threes on the night. They only had one less three than Hayesville on the night but could not get anything to fall inside. Hayesville had the size advantage and used it to keep their opponents from attacking the basket. The game finished with Hayesville winning 88-36, getting their season off to the right start.
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets (1-0) travel to Graham county on Friday evening to take on the Robbinsville Black Knights. This will be their first conference game of the year for Hayesville. As the defending champions it should be a good test to see if Hayesville has what it takes to defend their crown.
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
Hayesville Yellow Jackets move on to third round
Hayesville Basketball, Sports, TeamFYNSports February 28, 2020
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Pine Lake Prep Pride on Tuesday night. It had all the makings of a great playoff matchup with both teams capable of winning the game. It was a four quarter battle for sure with both teams trading leads early in the game. Yet like they have so many times this year Hayesville pulled away at the end of the third quarter. They had a strong fourth quarter winning the game 69-52.
In the first quarter Hayesville went to star sophomore Jake McTaggart early with him scoring eight points making two threes in the quarter. Junior Blake McClure made several big plays in the quarter as well taking two charges. This not only got a Pine Lake Prep starter in foul trouble but gave Hayesville two extra possessions. All this led to Hayesville finishing the quarter leading 16-12.
In the second quarter the Yellow Jacket offense stalled. They only scored eight points in the quarter allowing Pine Lake to take a lead into halftime. Pine Lake led 27-24 at the half, with Hayesville knowing they needed to start shooting the ball better. It was a good thing McTaggart was shooting it well because he led the Jackets in scoring in the quarter once again. In fact he had all eight of the team’s second quarter points.
After half Hayesville surprised Pine Lake a little bit coming out in a full court press forcing them into many turnovers in the second half. Hayesville would not let off the press the entire second half really affecting the offensive efficiency of Pine Lake. Kolbe Ashe had a tough night from the floor but a perfect night from the free throw line. In the third quarter he had six points all from the free throw line. Hayesville finished the quarter leading 43-37 looking like they had all the momentum coming into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter Hayesvilles press gave Pine Lake fits, with Pine Lake trying half court pressure themselves. The Yellow Jackets ate up the pressure though continually finding open teammates for easy layups taking away any chance for Pine Lake to come back.
Keys to the game were Hayesvilles free throw shooting. The Yellow Jackets were a perfect 22-22 from the free throw line on the night. When Pine Lake tried fouling at the end of the game to come back in hopes Hayesville would miss, the Jackets were perfect. Shooting perfect from the free throw is a great way to win playoff games.
Secondly Blake McClure had a career night. No not in points or rebounds but in one of the most underrated statistics in all of sports taking charges. Taking a charge does a lot, it gives your team a possession, but is better than a steal because it gives a foul to the opposing team. Blake McClure took SEVEN charges on the night. Giving his team seven extra possessions and causing Pine Lake to have foul trouble.
Yellow Jacket leaders for the night:
Jake McTaggart 28 points
Kolbe Ashe 14 points, 14-14 FT
Hayden McClure 12 points
Blake McClure 7 points, 7 charges taken
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets will now move on to the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs. They will have to leave the comforts of home traveling to Chatham Charter on Saturday for a 6:00 PM game.
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
Hayesville Yellow Jacket round two preview
Hayesville Basketball, Sports, TeamFYNSports February 27, 2020
The 5 seeded Hayesville Yellow Jackets will be hosting the 12 seeded Pine Lake Prep Pride. Hayesville is coming off a comfortable round one win over Swain Co. 68-48. While Pine Lake had a first round battle with Bishop Mcguinness winning 58-57. Hayesville being the higher seed gets the advantage of hosting the game along with what anticipates to be a great crowd.
Playoff Bracket
Hayesville is the supposed favorite in this game and one would think if they play their best they should be able to win. Hayesville has been playing good but not great basketball as of late but is on the rise and may be peaking at the right time. Pine Lake Prep finished the season only winning three out their last six. Yet they found a way to win in the first round in a matchup that many thought they may get upset.
Assistant coach Keith Thompson said that Pine Lake is great transition team that loves to run. So they will need to get back on defense as well as rebound the ball well tonight to improve their chance of winning.
Here is what Pine Lake Prep Pride coach Tony Dunbar had to say about tonight’s game:
- What do you know about your 2nd round opponent Hayesville?
We know Hayesville finished the regular season with a good record. Ashe and McTaggert seem to be the guys the get and keep them going. They are also a well coached/disciplined team.
- Describe your team a little, what do you do well, do you play fast slow like to press etc.
We do a lot of things well. Probably one of our best traits is our toughness. We are not only physically tough; we are one of the most mentally tough teams in the state.
- How is your team’s overall health coming into this game?
We are fully healthy at this point in the season, which is very rare.
- What does your team need to do to win on Thursday?
We need to play the Pine Lake way. If we capitalize on our strengths and limit Hayesville’s opportunities, we should be very successful.
Pine Lake boasts a 6-5 junior wing in Jacob Morgan who is averaging 19.1 points per game. It will be interesting to see who the Yellow Jackets matchup with him tonight due to his size. Perhaps Hayesville may go zone tonight as we saw Tuesday when they played Swain Co. One advantage Hayesville has, is Pine Lake has a four plus hour bus ride today. It would be good to see the Yellow Jackets get off to a good start and get the crowd going early.
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
Hayesville Yellow Jackets advance to second round
Hayesville Basketball, Sports, TeamFYNSports February 26, 2020
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the Swain Co. Maroon Devils in the first round of the NCHSAA state playoffs Tuesday night. Hayesville the 5 seed had the home court advantage over the 28 seed Swain Co. Yet with this being the fourth meeting of the year between the two teams it had the potential for an interesting matchup. Hayesville was able to control the game though and dictate the style of play. This led to them beating Swain for the fourth time this year winning 68-48.
Junior Brady Shook finishes through contact for a tough two points.
In the first quarter it was back and forth with Hayesville struggling to hit shots. Foul trouble was a big issue for the Yellow Jackets as well. Swain held a lead for part of the first quarter yet thanks to a few late buckets Hayesville ending the first quarter leading 17-11. The second quarter set up to be interesting, Hayesville star point guard sophomore Kolbe Ashe picked up a second foul towards the end of the quarter.
Ashe did not play at all in the second quarter because of it and things set up well for Swain to possibly take control. Yet Hayesville battled through the adversity and it wasn’t always pretty but they managed to keep their lead. In fact thanks to a buzzer beating post move from Sophomore Jake McTaggart Hayesville increased their lead to eight to close the half. With Hayesville escaping the second quarter with a 31-23 lead knowing they would get both Ashe and senior Mark Cothren back in the second half from foul trouble had to feel good going into the break.
In the third quarter with their conductor back in Ashe, Hayesville started to take control. They were able to dictate the pace and were giving nothing easy to the Maroon Devils. Hayesville played with poise and consistency increasing their third quarter lead out to up 11. They got a great night out of Junior Hayden McClure who was cutting through defense all night. Every time you looked up he would be finishing another tough basket at the rim.
Coming into the fourth quarter Hayesville while not having a huge lead knew the win would be theirs. It never felt in danger and Swain could never cut into it enough to give themselves a chance. Hayesville put the final nail in the coffin with a mid fourth quarter run stretching their lead out 20. The game finished Hayesville winning 68-48 moving onto the second round of the playoffs.
Junior Hayden McClure with a strong finish for 2 of his 16 points.
Hayesville leaders for the night:
Jake McTaggart 18 points
Hayden McClure 16 points
Kolbe Ashe 12 points
Brady Shook 10 points
Hayesville will next play in the 2nd round of the NCHSAA state playoffs hosting Pine Lake Prep at home on Thursday time TBA.
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