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The Hayesville High School varsity boys basketball team is headed to the state championship game. The Yellow Jackets punched their ticket to the finals by grabbing an 81-62 Elite Eight victory over the Thomasville Bulldogs Tuesday, March, 1. In the Western Regional Championship, held at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville Saturday, March 5, the Jackets lowered the boom on Winston-Salem Prep for a 72-66 victory.
In the final home game of the season for Hayesville, the Yellow Jackets and Thomasville Bulldogs played an exciting game in front of packed stands in The Hive. The first quarter brought intense play under the nets for the Jackets with points added by Logan Caldwell, Jake McTaggart, Kolbe Ashe and Asher Brown. Hayesville’s tight defense held the Bulldog team back to 16 points with the Jackets leading 21-16 at quarter’s end.
Jake McTaggart bust through two Bulldogs for a basket in the Elite Eight round.
Hayesville tightened up their defense during the second quarter, allowing Thomasville only 11 points. The Jackets were smart with their defensive pressure, committing no shooting fouls.
On the offensive side of the court, Hayesville rattled the rims for 23 points during the quarter with Ethan Hooper contributing a 2-point basket. The Jackets held the lead 44-27 at halftime.
Another tough third quarter brought fans to their feet with the Jackets outscoring the Bulldogs 24-19. McTaggart scored 10 of the Jacket points in the third while Caldwell and Hooper contributed one 3-point basket each.
In the final quarter of the game ,the Bulldogs outscored Hayesville 16-13, but it was a little too late for an attempt to advance into the lead. Kyle Lunsford contributed a 2-pointer in the final quarter to cap off the win. The victory advanced the Jackets to an appearance in the Final Four.
McTaggart controlled the hoops, grabbing 28 of the Jackets' points including 11, 2-point baskets. Caldwell captured 20 points, draining four 3-pointers while Kolbe Ashe hit five 2-pointers and went 5-6 from the line for a total of 18 points.
Four days later,, the Jackets and Winston-Salem Prep traveled to A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville for the 1A West Regional championship game. Hayesville brought a 26-0 season record and Winston Salem held a season record of 25-2.
The Jackets found themselves in unfamiliar territory at the end of the first quarter, trailing 21-18. McTaggart had a hot hand from the arch, draining 3 of the Jackets’ six, 3-pointers during the quarter. Caldwell, Hooper and Ashe contributed one 3-pointer each.
“Tight game” wouldn’t even describe the second quarter. The teams found themselves in a real dog fight, matching each other bucket for bucket. Ultimately, the Jackets outscored the Phoenix 15-11 to take a halftime lead by 1 point and a score of 33-32. McTaggart led Hayesville, grabbing 9 of the 15 points in the quarter.
There’s something about halftime that brings out the best in the Jackets. In the third quarter, they found their groove and outscored Winston Salem 22-12. Hayesville’s lead spread advanced by 10 points for a score of 55-44 after the third quarter of play. Brown and McTaggart added 16 of the 22 points with 8 each.
The final quarter of the game saw fans sweating it out as the Phoenix made a charge for the lead. However, as time ticked down, Hayesville started focusing on
Senior point guard Kolbe Ashe takes flight and soars to the rim for 2 points.
time of possession which forced Winston Salem to foul in order to stop the clock. The Jackets survived their opponents 22- point rally and with 17 points of their own, advanced to the championship game with a 72-66 win.
McTaggart carried 32 of the Jacket points, Hooper had 16 points and Ashe hit double-digits with 11.
“It was a super win with great fan support,” said Hayesville head coach Michael Cottrell. “We fought hard and competed. This is a unique group that has earned a ticket to the finals.”
Upon arriving back in Hayesville, the Jackets were greeted with an impromptu party on campus. Jacket Nation lined the sidewalks and parking lots with cheers, blowing horns and flashing lights.
On Saturday, March 12, the Jackets will head to N.C. State for a 5 p.m. showdown with Chatham Charter, from Siler City, for the state championship. Chatham Charter is 10-0 in their conference and 33-1 in overall play for the season.
Only digital tickets will be accepted and are $15. To order tickets go to GoFan.co/.NCHSAA. For those who can’t attend the game, according to school officials, the game will be live streamed by the National Federation of State High School Associations and also at www.my40tv.com.