The varsity Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team has started its pursuit of one of the two coveted guaranteed playoff spots. Hayesville opened the season with a 64-4 win over Nantahala in The Hive Tuesday, Jan 5. After a scheduled game against the Lady Black Knights was postponed due to quarantine on Robbinsville’s end, Hayesville made the short drive to Murphy Monday, Jan. 11 to face the defending state champion Lady Bulldogs. A strong second half effort wasn’t enough and the Lady Jackets fell 53-28.
The opening game against Nantahala gave head coach Chad McClure a chance to give all of his players time on the court, but did little to prepare his team to face an opponent that went 30-0 on their way to a state title.
Hayesville knew it would be a challenge to hang with Murphy when they entered The Dog House. Murphy’s offensive attack featured multiple weapons which kept the Lady Jackets on the move trying to guard multiple fronts.
By the half, the Lady Bulldogs had built up a 38-13 lead. In the second half, Hayesville was able to find more success on both ends of the floor. Good ball movement and second chances from rebounds helped the Lady Jackets find scoring success and minimize Murphy’s ability to pull away. Hayesville scored 8 points to the Lady Bulldogs’ 11 in the quarter.
The Lady Jackets actually won the fourth quarter by out scoring their rivals 7-4 but it was too little too late as time expired and gave Murphy the 53-28 win. Hayesville with try to get back in the win column at home Friday, Jan.15 when they host Andrews.
On Tuesday, Jan. 19 the Lady Braves from Cherokee will visit The Hive. Start time for both games is set for 6:30 p.m. Fans can see the games on the “Clay County Schools” YouTube channel.