The varsity Yellow Jackets have had flashes of greatness this season, but those bright moments have been neutralized by some dark trials. That was the case when Hayesville squared off with Murphy and Robbinsville.
On Friday, Feb. 5 the defending state champion Lady Bulldogs visited The Hive. Murphy entered the contest ranked No. 8 in the state and was looking to score the season sweep against their rival. Hayesville got off to a slow start offensively, scoring 8 points in the first while allowing the Lady Bulldogs to put 20 on the board.
In the second quarter, the Lady Jackets were consistent on offense with another 8 points. On defense, Hayesville clamped down and limited Murphy to 13 which gave the Lady Bulldogs a 33-16 halftime lead.
Defense continued to strengthen for the Lady Jackets in the second half. Hayesville gave up 11 points in the third quarter and a game-low 9 in the fourth. A lack of offense was the Lady Jackets’ undoing and Murphy held on for the 53-33 win.
“We did a lot of things well,” said head coach Chad McClure. “We just couldn’t score and bottom line is if you don’t score you don’t win.”
Things didn’t get any easier for Hayesville on Saturday, Feb. 6 when the No. 7 ranked Lady Knights came to town. R0bbinsville’s potent offense took control in the first quarter with 16 points. The Lady Jackets’ 7 points were enough to keep them within striking distance. A 13-8 second quarter gave the Lady Knights a 29-15 lead at the half, but Hayesville refused to give up.
In the third, the Lady Jackets found scoring success and netted 17 points before quarter’s end. On the other end of the floor, Hayesville’s defense held the Lady Knights to 13 and cut into Robbinsville’s lead. Down 42-32 heading into the final stanza, the Lady Jackets had a real chance to knock off the top team in the conference. Hayesville again hit double-digits with 11 points, but the Lady Knights’ 14 were enough to keep the lead safe and won the event 56-43.
Fans can see the Lady Jackets on the “Clay County Schools” YouTube channel at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 when the team travels to Cherokee. The Lady Jackets will be in action Tuesday, Feb. 16 when they host Rosman for the final home game of the season. Start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
