Possessing a two-game winning streak, the JV Yellow Jacket basketball team made the short trip to Murphy Thursday, Dec. 19 to face their main rival in a game that had been postponed earlier in the season. Hayesville was unable to match the Bulldogs scoring ability and suffered the loss, 54-28.
Things started off slow offensively for both teams. Defense was the name of the game as clear shots were few and far between in the first quarter. While it wasn't pretty, the Bulldogs found themselves up 5-4 at quarter's end.
Quarter two saw Murphy flip the scoring switch with 17 additional points when the halftime horn sounded. For the Jackets, although the quarter's production was better, the offense continued to sputter with just 8 points. Trailing 23-12, Hayesville's coach Will Penland took his team into the locker room to discuss a game plan.
The Bulldogs showed no signs of slowing down after the break. Despite the Jackets' efforts, Murphy was able to drive through the lane and create space as they increased their total to 39. For Hayesville, points were harder to come by and the Bulldogs seemed to be in the right place at the right time. The Jackets' 6 points put them in a 39-18 hole after three quarters.
Seemingly on cruise control, Murphy used the fourth quarter to erase any doubt of the game's outcome. The Bulldogs put 15 points on their side of the board. Hayesville kept fighting with 10-points but it wasn't enough. Murphy fans celebrated the 54-28 win.
Leaders at Murphy
Peyton Hunt: 7 points
Logan Caldwell: 6 points
Will Englemann: 4 points