By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
Hayesville’s Lady Yellow Jackets fell to the Black Knights in Robbinsville Friday, Jan.7 by the final of 64-38.
The first quarter brought 10 points for Hayesville with the Lady Knights sinking 15 points to take the lead. It was a tight defensive game with both teams guarding their nets intently.
In the second quarter, Robbinsville’s offensive pressure overpowered the Lady Jackets. Hayesville scored 13 points, but were unable to hold back the Lady Knights from the nets. Lila Payne was responsible for 9 of Hayesville’s 13 points. Robbinsville held a 37-23 lead at the half 37-23.
Going into the third, Hayesville again hit double digits with 10 additional points. Payne, Breanna Cothren and Mallory Peck all contributed to the quarter’s total. Robbinsville put 19 points on their side of the board for a 56-33 lead.
In the final quarter of the game, Payne drained a 3-pointer and Keena Leatherwood dropped a jumper, giving Hayesville 5 points in the quarter. The Jackets held Robbinsville to 8 points, but it was enough for a 64-38 Black Knights’ win.
In his post-game comments, head coach Chad McClure, “We started the game well, but didn’t handle Robbinsville’s pressure in the second and third periods. Our offense played well when we had the ball in half court, but missed several foul shots that could have kept the game manageable.” McClure continued, saying, “Defensively, we left too many shooters open and gave up too many offensive rebounds during the game.”
Payne was high scorer for the Lady Jackets with five 3-point baskets for a total of 15 points. Other top scorers for the Lady Jackets were Cothren with 5, Peck with four points and Brooke Graves with 4. Lila Roberts and Cecilia Jones each had 3 points while Keena and Kaylee Leatherwood hit 2 points each.
The Lady Jackets will host Franklin’s Lady Panthers at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan 14.