Hayesville’s JV Yellow Jacket basketball team has faced some stiff competition as of late. The team travelled to Robbinsville Friday, Jan. 24 where they failed to contain the Black Knights, losing 45-31. On Monday, Jan. 27 Franklin came to town and left the Jackets shell-shocked and holding a 61-26 loss.
Against Robbinsville, Hayesville was playing from behind early on as the Black Knights dropped 13 points in the first while holding the Jackets to 7, Hayesville man- aged to cut into the deficit in the second, out-scoring the Knights 10-8. Robbinsville still held a 23-18 lead, but the Jackets were threatening.
Any hopes of a come-from-behind win were dashed for Hayesville fans in the third quarter as the Knights went on a 12-3 run, extending their lead to 33-17. With Robbinsville’s relentless de- fense, there was no way the Jackets were making a come- back and the Knights held on for the 45-31 win.
Franklin took the air out of the room quickly Monday with 18 first-quarter points to the Jackets’ 6. Lopsided play continued in the second quarter as the Panthers lit up the net for another 16 points. Franklin’s 1-3-1 zone defense gave the Jackets fits and Hayesville hit halftime down 34-13.
The second half was more of the same with the Pan- thers totaling 27 points in the final two stanzas while the Jackets could only muster 13 second-half points. The buzzer sounded, officially giving Franklin the 61-26 win.
Hayesville will look to turn things around Friday, Jan. 31 in Swain County. The Jackets will be on their home court Tuesday, Feb. 4 to host Hiwassee Dam. A start time of 5 p.m. has been scheduled for both games.
LEADERS AT ROBBINSVILLE
Peyton Hunt: 10 points
Cade Denton: 7 points
Logan Caldwell: 7 points
LEADERS VS FRANKLIN
Jose Espinal: 11 points
Cade Denton: 4 points
Lucas Brooks: 3 points