Hayesville’s varsity Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team made their home-court debut for the 2019-20 season against a pair of Smoky Mountain Conference opponents. On Tuesday, Dec. 10 Hayesville battled the Lady Tigers from Rosman, getting the 55-32 victory. The Lady Jackets followed that up with a 60-42 win over Swain County on Friday, Dec. 13.
Against the Lady Tigers, Hayesville was dominant in the first half. By the end of the first quarter, the Lady Jackets had built up an 18-5. The second quarter was more of the same as Hayesville went on a 22-8 run to lead 40-13 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Lady Jackets were ice cold on offense. The team that put up 40 points in the first half struggled to net 4 points in the third quarter. Luckily, Hayesville remained solid on defense, holding Rosman to 8 points. Limiting the damage made the lead 44-21 going into the fourth. While the Lady Jackets gave up a game-high 11 points in the final quarter, they were able to match the Lady Tigers bucket for bucket to maintain their lead and get the 55-22 win.
“We have to learn how to keep our intensity up for four quarters,” said coach Chad McClure. “We let off the gas a little there in the third quarter but overall I thought we played well.”
Friday’s game against Swain County was a more consistent one for the Lady Jackets. Hayesville’s 12 first-quarter points was enough for a four point lead. The Lady Maroon Devils had more success than Rosman and managed to keep within striking distance. Matching their first quarter production gave Hayesville a 24-17 lead at the half.
In the third quarter the Lady Devils made a push for the lead with their strongest offensive quarter of the game. Swain totalled 13 points in the quarter but the Lady Jackets were able to increase their lead with 16 points to make the score 40-30 with one quarter to go. Any hopes Swain had of a comeback were quickly squashed in the fourth quarter when Hayesville’s offensive attack struck for 20 points. The Lady Devils only managed 12 in the quarter, giving the Lady Jackets a 60-42 victory.
Hayesville’s string of SMC games will continue Thursday, Dec. 19 when they travel to Murphy and Friday, Dec. 20 at home against Robbinsville. Both games are scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off.
Leaders vs Rosman
Jade Patterson: 15 points, five steals.
Brianna Foster: 12 points, 13 rebounds.
Lila Payne: 9 points.
Kynnly McClure: 9 points.
Leaders vs Swain County
Brianna Foster: 20 points, 12 rebounds.
Jade Patterson: 11 points, three assists.
Lizzy Brusini: 9 points, three steals.
Lila Payne: 5 points.