Neal Wachob • Clay County Progress Jasmine Brooks, No. 33, and Micalynn McClure, No. 10, make life difficult for Murphy while Lady Jackets Briley Clampitt, No. 14, and Ava Shook, No. 2, come to help.
By Gary Corsair
Sports Writer
Murphy’s ability to light up the scoreboard in a hurry derailed Hayesville’s quest to reach the championship game of the Smoky Mountain Conference Girls Basketball Tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs, 15-10, prevailed, 50-42, over the scrappy Lady Yellow Jackets, 17-9, on Murphy’s court Wednesday.
Hayesville was denied the opportunity to face unbeatable Cherokee, who rocked Murphy, 89-25, in title game, but the Lady Jackets should get to dance with the Lady Braves in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A Womens Basketball Playoffs this week.
Hayesville and Cherokee will meet Saturday in Cherokee — both teams drew byes in the first round — if the Lady Jackets defeat the winner of Community School of Davidson, No. 9, vs. Cherryville, No. 24, on Thursday.
The Lady Jackets will need to shoot better than they did against Murphy if they hope to advance in post-season play. Hayesville shot just 31 percent from the field and 26 percent from behind the arc against Murphy.
The Lady Yellow Jackets led their rivals 13-11 after one quarter, but the Lady Bulldogs turned the tables by scoring 10 points in two minutes of the second quarter for a 30-23 halftime advantage.
Hayesville fought back and knotted the score 31-all when Ava Moore hit a free throw late in the third quarter, but Murphy regained control with another burst of 9 points in two-and-a-half minutes to put the game out of reach.
Ava Shook was uncharacteristically cold but still led Hayesville in scoring, 14, five assists, three steals and 4-of-5 free throw shooting despite being knocked to the hardwood six times. The unshakeable one finished strong, scoring Hayesville’s final 9 points. In fact, she was the only Lady Jacket to score in the final 4:30.
Moore was hot, in fact she was the only Lady Jacket to shoot 50 percent or better. Hayesville’s low post threat made 3-of-5 from the field and 3-of-5 at the line for 9 points. She also led the Lady Jackets in rebounding with nine.
Lucy Trout added 8 points, all in the first half. Micalynn McClure contributed five markers, five boards and lock down defense. Caroline Wade posted 3 points and three rebounds. Jasmine Brooks scored 3 and had two rebounds.