HMS boys fall to Andrews in first round

  • Photo by Kendra Coker Brady Reynolds, No. 1, grabs the ball to prevent a score from a Wildcat.
    Photo by Kendra Coker Brady Reynolds, No. 1, grabs the ball to prevent a score from a Wildcat.
  • Photo by Kendra Coker Eli Cheeks, No. 5, backs up his fellow Jacket teammate.
    Photo by Kendra Coker Eli Cheeks, No. 5, backs up his fellow Jacket teammate.

    By Deby Jo Ferguson

    Sports Writer

     

    Hayesville Middle School boys fell to the Andrews Wildcats on Jan. 14 in the first round of the Smoky Mountain Conference 53-27. Andrews came off the bench controlling the nets in the first half of the game, gaining the lead 33-12 at halftime.

    The Jackets bounced back with a 10-10 third quarter battle pushing their offensive play to connect with the nets. During the final quarter of the game the Jackets found their defensive play wasn’t able to keep the Wildcats from sinking an additional 10 points, although the Jackets pushed through with their offense abilities scoring 5 points. As the final buzzer sounded the Wildcats took the victory and advanced to the second round of the tournament.

    Brady Reynolds was the high scorer for the Jackets with 9 points including a 3-point basket; Damien Soto, 6 points; Rhett Sellers and Kobe Shaheen sank four points each, while Micah Moss and Johan Webb scored 2 points each.

    On Jan. 11 the Jackets finished up regular play with a 24-23 victory over Towns County.

    Sellers and Soto were high scorers for the game with 7 points each. Lance Coker hit one basket and two from the line. Moss, 3 points; Webb, 2 points and Shaheen with one charity line.

    According to coach Zach Moss, “We were really proud of our game against Towns County and came out with a hard fought victory. We have improved throughout the season. In the SMC game against Andrews, we were short a few players, but never gave up. I am really proud of the guys and how hard they worked to improve this year.”