By Deby Jo Ferguson
With a hiatus in their Smoky Mountain Conference Schedule, the Lady Yellow Jackets participated in the Christmas Tournament hosted by Swain County High School during the Christmas break. Hayesville played three games in the tournament, dropping two, but ending on a high note with a win.
On Tuesday, Dec. 28, the Lady Jackets lost 53-27 to Mountain Heritage, of Burnsville, in the first round of the tournament.
The Cougars took control of the nets in the first quarter of the game by sinking 10 points. The Lady Jackets scored 5 with Lila Payne adding 4 to the board.
Hayesville’s offense did better in the second with Lila Roberts sinking a 3-point basket and the Lady Jackets adding 8 additional points to the board. Mountain Heritage’s connection with the basket seemed unstoppable as they scored 17 points for a 27-13 halftime lead.
As the Lady Jackets took the court in the third their scoring improved. They added 10 points with Mallory Peck adding 5 from the foul line. The Cougars managed to light up the net with 18 points in the third quarter.
Both the Lady Jackets and Cougars turned on their defense in the final quarter of the game. Hayesville held Mountain Heritage to 8 additional points. Hayesville added 4 points in the fourth quarter giving, Mountain Heritage the victory 53-27.
The following day, in an intense battle with Brevard, the Lady Jackets were defeated 49-44.
The first quarter saw a 2-point lead for the Lady Blue Devils with both teams hitting double digits for a 16-14 opening-quarter score. Payne sank 9 of the Lady Jackets’ 14 points.
Hayesville offense fell behind in the second quarter only adding 7 points. Brevard controlled the nets, earning 13 points and taking the lead 29-21 at halftime.
Tides turned in the 3rd when the Lady Jackets turned on their defense and held Brevard to 7 points. Hayesville’s side of the scoreboard was busy, adding 13 points and narrowing the score. Brevard led by 2 points at the end of the third, 36-34.
A man-to-man fourth quarter brought fans to their feet. The Lady Jackets sank 10 points, but came up short, losing the game 49-44. Brevard’s win put Hayesville in a fight for the seventh place in the tournament.
On Thursday, Dec. 30, the Lady Jackets successfully locked down that position with a convincing 60-26 win over SMC foe Andrews.
The first quarter saw the Lady Jackets sinking baskets for 16 points. Their tight defensive control left Andrews unable to score a basket. Hayesville led 16-0 in the first quarter.
Andrews bounced back in the second, keeping pace with Hayesville by scoring 13 points.The Lady Jackets still held a halftime lead of 30-13.
Hayesville’s offense came back to life in the third quarter, grabbing 17 points while limiting Andrews to 8. The final quarter of the game was all Hayesville. The Lady Jackets sealed the win by adding 13 points for a 60-26 run away game.
Looking back on the tournament, coach Chad McClure said, “Besides the first half against Brevard, I thought we competed well and improved. It will help us as we begin the last half of our schedule.”
On Jan. 7, the Lady Jackets will travel to Robbinsville for a 6:30 p.m. conference game.
Scoring leaders vs Mountain Heritage
Mallory Peck: 8 points
Lila Payne: 7 points
Lila Roberts: 5 points
Breanna Abrams: 3 points
Maple Mackey: 2 points
Brooke Graves: 2 points
Scoring leaders vs Brevard
Mallory Peck: 10 points
Lila Payne: 10 points
Kaylee Leatherwood: 8 points
Brooke Graves: 6 points
Cecilia Jones: 5 points
Lila Roberts: 5 points
Scoring leaders vs Andrews
Mallory Peck: 11 points
Lila Roberts: 7 points
Brooke Graves: 6 points
Breanna Abrams: 4 points
Cecilia Jones: 5 points
Maple Mackey: 4 points
Kaylee Leatherwood: 4 points