By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
The HMS Lady Jackets hosted Hiwassee Dam/Ranger on Monday, Dec. 6. According to coach Tammy Dills, the team hoped this game would be a chance to redeem a loss to HDR earlier in the season.
Fans witnessed an action-packed game. The Lady Jackets started off playing tough, but shots just didn't fall. Hayesville's will power paid off with an 8-6 lead after the first quarter. Standout Jasmine Brooks contributed to half those first-quarter points.
“We went to work in the second quarter," said Dills. Emma Ashe busted two shots deep, one of which was a 3 pointer. The Lady Jacket defense kept HDR from scoring which gave the Lady Jackets an impressive 15-6 halftime lead.
During the third quarter, HDR got three quick baskets, but the Lady Jackets answered by sinking 5 additional points, as they rallied back and finished the quarter up 20-13.
Commenting on the final quarter, coach Dills said, “We only hit two shots from the floor and the rest of our points came from the charity stripe. Ava Shook contributed by going 5-7 during the quarter and Briley Clampitt shot 50 percent from the foul line.
The Lady Jackets redeemed their earlier season loss as they finished the night on top with a 30-22 victory.
In her post-game comments, Dills said, "We didn't play to our individual skill level when it came to hitting the easy shots, hitting the boards or just staying out of foul trouble, but some stepped up and helped secure the win."
Stat leaders:
Ava Shook: 12 points, five rebounds, six steals.
Emma Ashe: 5 points, three rebounds, three steals.
Jasmine Brooks: 4 points, seven boards, two steals.
Ava Moore: 4 points, three rebounds.
Briley Clampitt: three points, seven rebounds.
Kadence Morrow: two points, four steals.
On Thursday, Dec. 9 Hayesville traveled to Cherokee and suffered a 63-42 loss to the Lady Braves. A high amount of turnovers in the first half put the Lady Jackets in a hole they just couldn't dig out of.