By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
In a change of pace, the varsity Yellow Jacket basketball team participated in the Swain County High School Christmas Tournament. Although it was a new event for the Jackets, the results looked the same as previous holiday tournaments, with Hayesville taking first place.
In the first round of the Christmas tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 28, the Jackets defeated Mountain Heritage 75-47. Hayesville took control early in the game with a 27-12 first quarter lead. Both teams played a good defensive game with no freebies from the foul line.
In the second quarter the Jackets sank double digits adding 19 points. The defense held the Cougars back to 10 points for a halftime score of 46-22.
Hayesville came out in the third quarter powered up as they plunged 21 additional points. The Jackets’ defense held the Cougars to 8 points. Five Jackets scored during the quarter. The quarter ended with a 67-30 Yellow Jacket lead.
In the final quarter of the game, both teams played well on the court. The Cougars scored 7 points as the Jackets added 8 by Taylor McClure and Cade Denton for the victory. Hayesville took the win advancing to the second round of the tournament.
Round two saw Hayesville take on the hosting Maroon Devils of Swain County for a spot in the finals. The Jackets, led by Kolbe Ashe’s 30 points, won convincingly by the final of 86-58.
The Jackets hit the court in the first quarter and controlled the nets. As the Devils scored 12 points, they were unable to stop Hayesville as the Jackets sank 21 points.
During the second quarter Swain added another 13 points, but were once again unable to hold back the Jackets. Hayesville stretched their lead with 19 points and led 40-25 at the half.
It was a close game in the third quarter. Both teams attacked the basket with the Jackets scoring 24 points and Swain a close 18. Of Hayesville’s 24 points, 11 were from the foul line. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Jackets led 64-43.
The final quarter belonged to the Jackets with 22 additional points for the 86-58 victory. Swain sank 15 points but not enough for the win.
That victory set up a battle with Little Smoky Mountain Conference powerhouse Hiwassee Dam. Hayesville flexed it’s offensive muscle for an impressive 76-44 win to clinch the tournament championship.
Both teams started out the first quarter doing well under the nets. Hayesville hit 18 points as the Eagles trailed with 10.
It was a total team effort for Hayesville going into the second quarter. The Eagles were still hitting shots, adding 11 points. The Jackets were on mark under the basket and 6 points from the charity line helped their cause. Hayesville hit the locker room with a35-21 halftime lead.
The Jackets showed off with their third-quarter scoring. Hayesville lit up the net for29 points while holding the Eagles to 14.
During the final quarter, the Jackets continued to build their lead with 12 additional points. Hiwassee Dam tried to rally with 9 points, but the Jackets dribbled the clock out for the victory. Along with Ashe as high scorer, also hitting double digits were Jake McTaggart, 17; and Logan Caldwell with 14. Scoring for Hayesville were Kyle Lunsford, 6; Ethan Hooper and Taylor McClure hit 2 points each.
The 11-0 Yellow Jackets will travel to Robbinsville Friday, Jan.7 to face the 3-5 Black Knights. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Scoring leaders vs Mountain Heritage
Jake McTaggart: 19 points
Kolbe Ashe: 17 points
Ethan Hooper: 16 points
Scoring leaders vs Swain County
Kolbe Ashe: 30 points
Jacob McClure: 7 points
Kyle Lunsford: 6 points
Ethan Hooper: 5 points
Scoring leaders vs Hiwassee Dam
Jake McTaggart: 17 points
Logan Caldwell: 14 points
Kyle Lunsford: 6 points
Ethan Hooper: 2 points
Taylor McClure: 2 points