By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
Hayesville’s varsity lady Jackets fell to Highlands in a non-conference game at home on Monday, Jan. 24 with a score of 62-45.
The Lady Jackets scored 8 points in the first quarter, but were unable to control Highlands on the defensive end. The Lady Highlanders took built a14-8 lead by the end of the quarter. In the quarter, Lila Payne hit a 3 pointer, Kaylee Leatherwood had 3 points and Brooke Graves contributed with 2.
During the second quarter, Payne added 9 points, the point total for Hayesville in the quarter. Highlands outscored the Lady Jackets by 3 points and held a halftime lead of 26-17.
In the third quarter, Payne was again right on mark, hitting four 3-pointers for Highlands added 19 points and extended their lead to 45-29.
The final quarter of the game was much closer with Highlands outscoring the Lady Jackets by 1 point which was enough to seal the victory with a final score of 62-45. Payne added 11 points. Also scoring during the quarter were Cecilia Jones who had 3 and Breanna Cothren Mallory Peck added 1 point each.
Payne’s offensive performance was one for the record books. “Lila Payne hit 10 three-pointers which might be a school record, but we know it’s fourth most in a game per the state record book,” said coach Chad McClure.
As for the game, McClure commented, ““I was pleased with the effort. We had several players give us great minutes tonight. We couldn’t get stops when we needed it though. They hurt us on the offensive glass and hit shots every time we made a run.”
The Lady Jackets will host Murphy Friday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. and travel to Franklin on Saturday, Jan. 29.