By Deby Jo Ferguson
Staff Writer
Hayesville Middle School boys fell to the Cherokee Braves on Monday, Nov. 14 with a Braves winning score of 51-21.
The Braves hit the court in the first quarter dominating the nets with 19 points and the Jackets sinking eight. Micah Moss sank two baskets scoring four of Hayesville’s 8 points. Damien Soto and Lance Coker added two baskets each adding the additional points for the Jackets in the first quarter.
During the second quarter the Hayesville defense kicked in and held the Braves back to six additional points. The Jackets stripped the nets gaining four points for Hayesville. Moss and Soto added one basket each leaving the Braves holding a 25-12 point lead at halftime.
Once again in the third quarter the Cherokee ruled the nets dropping another 16 points. Brady Reynolds scored a 2-point basket for the Jackets during the third quarter, but the Braves lead increased to 41-14.
In the final quarter of the game the Jackets regained their connection with the nets. Kabe Shaheen dropped a 2-pointer; Moss sank a basket and one from the charity line; with Reynolds adding a 2-point basket adding seven Yellow Jacket points.
According to Coach Zach Moss, “Our boys are improving each game. Even though we didn’t get the victory our boys had better ball movement and team play. Cherokee pressed most of the game, but I was encouraged by how our boys handled the pressure. We were successful in breaking their press most of the night. We will continue to build on each game experience and become better basketball players.”
On Thursday, Nov. 17 the Jackets suffered a 45-27 loss against the Robbinsville Black Knights. The first quarter started off pretty loose with the Knights taking a 11-7 lead at the end of the quarter. Soto was hot under the boards grabbing two baskets and Brady Reynolds made a successful long shot grabbing a 3 point basket.
It was another tight quarter during the second by the Knights and Jackets. Both teams scored 4-points each for a halftime Robbinsville lead of 15-11. Lance Coker lit up the boards for the Jackets scoring two for Hayesville.
Another close quarter followed in the third with Robbinsville outscoring Hayesville by four points. The Jackets added nine points by Moss who hit two baskets; Soto added a 2 point basket and Coker scored one basket and one from the free throw. The Jackets put forth a strong effort, but the Knights still held a 27-20 lead.
During the final quarter of the game Robbinsville’s offense ruled the nets adding 17 points with Hayesville sinking seven. The Knights took the victory 45-27 in the final quarter. Hayesville’s Coker was hot on the court scoring five four quarter points and Moss grabbed a 2 pointer in the final quarter of the game.
The Jackets will travel to Swain on Thursday, Dec. 1 and then host Murphy in Jacket territory on Monday, Dec. 5.