Jackets off to hot start

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  • Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress Blake McClure lowers a shoulder and drives past a Black Knight.
    Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress Blake McClure lowers a shoulder and drives past a Black Knight.
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Gyms might look a little different but the success of the varsity Yellow Jacket basketball team is a familiar sight. Hayesville started their 2021 campaign Tuesday, Jan. 5 with an 89-36 home win over Nantahala. On Friday, Jan. 8 the Jackets outlasted the Black Knights in Robbinsville to pick up a 60-56 victory. This week started off with a rivalry game against Murphy on Monday, Jan. 11. After a physical four quarters, Hayesville returned to Clay County with a 64-56 win and a 3-0 record.

Following the blowout win over Nantahala, the quality of opponents stepped up when the Jackets landed in Robbinsville. The Black Knights started off strong on offense and was able to contain Hayesville’s offensive attack which gave the home team an 11-9 lead after one quarter. The Jackets broke through in the second quarter with 22 points which gave them a 31-21 lead at the half.

Robbinsville cut into the deficit in the third by out scoring Hayesville 17-5. In the fourth, the Black Knights continued to charge but the Jackets’ 17 points was enough to seal the 60-56 win.

As expected, the rivalry game against Murphy was a physical contest. Hayesville earned an early advantage by besting the Bulldogs 18-11 in the opening quarter. The Bulldogs bounced back in the second and the lead had wilted to 32-28 at the break. The second half was a spotlight of two seemingly even teams.

Hayesville was able to grow their lead by 2 points in the third quarter with 15 points. In the fourth, the Bulldogs did their best to complete a come from behind win with 15 points of their own, but the Jackets’ 16 extended their lead and gave them the 64-56 victory.

Next up for the team is a pair of home games. Hayesville will host Andrews Friday, Jan. 15 and Cherokee comes to town Tuesday, Jan. 19.