After a few weeks away from the court, the Hayesville Middle School’s Yellow Jacket basketball team returned to action Wednesday, Jan. 8. The Jackets weren’t able to ease back into the season as they hosted the rival Indians from Towns County. It was a close one that envoked emotions but Hayesville was able to keep ahead of their opponent enough to get the 50-45 win.
The game’s tone was set early as the teams battled in the first quarter. Momentum swung like a pendulum as most as often as possession changes. When the buzzer sounded to end the opening quarter, the Jackets were holding to a slim 11-8 lead.
In the second quarter, neither fan base was able to relax as the close play continued. On their end of the court, Towns County was able to improve on their first-quarter production with an additional 10 points. Not willing to give up any of their slim advantage, Hayesville matched the visitors bucket for bucket and led 21-18 at halftime.
As the tension ratcheted up in the third quarter, so did the score. Every basket made drew cheers from one side of the gym and groans from the other. The two familiar foes went toe-to-toe with one another for another stalemate quarter with both teams scoring 13 points. Up 44-41, the Jackets prepared for the fourth.
That final quarter saw each possession mean more than the last as time ticked away on the clock. The Indians continued their trend of improving their offensive numbers as the game developed. Towns County put up a strong 14 points trying to take down the Jackets but Hayesville was not only able to match the Indians, but late-quarter foul shots gave the home team 16 points to win the quarter and seal the 50-45 victory.
Leaders vs Towns County
Asher Brown: 22 points
Taylor McClure: 13 points
Jacob McClure: 7 points