It was a battle of three-win teams when Hayesville's varsity Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team faced off with the Lady Bulldogs in Murphy Thursday, Dec. 19. Hayesville was coming off a win over Swain County and the Lady Bulldogs entered the game off the heels of a victory over Rosman. From the first quarter, Murphy controlled the game and carried the momentum to a 71-47 victory.
A favorite to win the Smoky Mountain Conference championship, Murphy showed why in the first quarter. Hayesville was able to get a few open looks at the basket, looks they turned into 8 points. However, on the other end of the floor, the Lady Bulldogs were able to use their size advantage to get close shots and build a 17-8 lead by the end of the quarter.
Refusing to let up on their rival, Murphy stayed on the attack in the second quarter. Fans of the Lady Bulldogs had a lot to cheer as the home team scored regularly, adding another 21 points to their side of the tally. For the Lady Jackets, another quarter-total of 8 points wasn't nearly enough to keep pace and Hayesville entered the halftime break down 38-16.
Murphy's offensive clinic continued in the third quarter as the Lady Bulldogs were white hot shooting, adding another 24 points to their score. The Lady Jackets improved on their performance but their 13 points was a gain of one step when they needed a mile. Trailing 62-29 with one quarter to go, Hayesville needed something to drastic to happen in the fourth.
Unfortunately for Jacket Nation, that drastic thing didn't happen. The fourth quarter followed the tone of the other three and the horn finished of a 71-47 win for Murphy.
Hayesville will try to get back in the win column Friday, Dec. 20 when they host Robbinsville at 6:30 p.m.
Leaders at Murphy
Brianna Foster: 16 points
Lila Payne: 8 points
Jade Patterson: 6 points
Annie Brooks: 6 points