Gary Corsair • Clay County Progress Bryleigh Krieger, No.10, lofts the shot that gives Hayesville a 42-40 lead with 1:10 left in regulation play at Robbinsville. Emma Ashe, No. 24, who made the basket possible with a steal and assist trails the play.
By Gary Corsair
Sports Writer
Bryleigh Krieger won the game not once, but twice at Robbinsville Friday night.
First Krieger scored on a fast break lay-up with 1:10 left in regulation that erased a 14-point deficit and gave Hayesville a one-point lead. Next, after Robbinsville forced overtime, Krieger scored from in close with :04 left in the bonus period to ensure a 48-47 win for Hayesville.
The thrilling come-from-behind triumph was the third overtime win in three opportunities for Hayesville, 2-1 in the Smoky Mountain Conference and 9-4 overall.
Breanna Abrams also won the game, not once, but twice.
Abrams scored a game-tying basket, 40-all, with 1:36 left in regulation. Next with :47 left in overtime and Robbinsville enjoying a 46-42 advantage. Abrams scored on a bold drive into the paint that shifted the momentum to Hayesville.
Mallory Peck won the game, not once, but twice.
Peck kept Hayesville within striking distance by swishing five fourth-quarter free throws, the final two tying the score 38-all in regulation. In overtime Peck grabbed an offensive rebound that led to Krieger’s game-winning basket.
Finally, Ava Shook won the game, not once, but at least twice.
Shook ensured there would be an overtime by ripping out Robbinsville’s heart with a three from the key, a defensive rebound, two free throws and a steal she turned into a fast break lay-in all in the span of 1:03 as Hayesville reduced the lead from 37-26 to 37-33. Next with :31 remaining in overtime and Robbinsville up 46-44, Shook stole the Black Knights’ inbound pass, drove the length of the court and drew a foul as she went to the rim. Shook then cooly swished both free throws to tie the score 46-all.
Shook and Peck dented the Black Knights armor all night. The talented twosome were responsible for every digit in Hayesville’s run of 9 unanswered second-quarter points when the Yellow Jackets slashed the host’s lead from 20-10 to 20-19 in the final 2:40 before halftime.
The third period didn’t go nearly as well. Hayesville fell behind 32-23.
Hayesville’s doldrums continued into the fourth quarter. Robbinsville built a 37-26 as Hayesville suffered through a 5:26 scoring drought.
It looked like time to warm up the Clay County Schools bus. Instead the Lady Jackets got hot with the score 37-23. Shook for three. Abrams ices two free-throws. Steal by Peck and two freebies by Shook. Steal by Shook who goes all the way for a lay-up. Steal by Ashe. Slick jump pass by Shook. Free throw by Peck. Robbinsville 37, Hayesville 34. Shut off the bus.
Emma Ashe also won the game by making a huge defensive play with the score tied 40-all in regulation. Ashe zipped along the baseline, pilfered the rock, raced up court and rifled the ball to Krieger for the lay-up that put Hayesville up 42-40.
Yes Hayesville’s third victory in a row was a total team effort. Everyone contributed.
“It was fun to see the girls fight through early adversity and find a way to win. It was a huge conference win on the road,” Hayesville Coach Chad McClure exclaimed.
Shook led the way with 20 points, six steals, four assists and two rebounds.
Peck bucketed 9-of-10 free throws, cleared eight rebounds and scored 13 points.
Abrams added 6 points and four rebounds. Krieger’s two buckets came on her only two shots. Ashe had 3 points, three assist and two steals.
Brooke Graves was 1-of-2 from the floor with two rebounds.
Next week Hayesville travels to Blue Ridge Early College on Tuesday, Jan. 16.