By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports writer
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets travelled to Highlands Friday, Dec. 10 and picked up a 59-26 victory. According to head coach Michael Cottrell, the game was a good on the road victory. “I was pleased with the defensive play from our guys most of the game. These guys are working hard to get better with every game.”
In the first quarter, the Jackets outscored Highlands 10-5 with Kolbe Ashe sinking a pair of 3-point baskets and one 2-pointer. Isaac Chandler joined in on the scoring fun with a 2-pointer for a Jacket lead.
The Jackets came off the bench in the second quarter snatching up a whopping 25 points and defensively held Highlands back to 7 additional points. Racking up points for Hayesville were Logan Caldwell with 8, Ashe adding 11 points including one from the foul line along with Eathan Hooper and Asher Brown who each drained a 3-point basket, giving the Jackets35-12 lead at halftime.
Highland's offensive and defensive skills stepped up in the third quarter, scoring 11 points and giving Hayesville some tough competition. The Jackets held their own, scoring 13 points which gave them a comfortable 48-23 lead.
In fourth quarter final play, Hayesville got their game on again defensively by holding Highland to only 3 points. This defensive strength and offensive drive showed up on the Jackets' side of the scoreboard with 11 additional points in the final quarter of the game, sealing the 59-26 win over Highlands.
Hayesville will make the trip across the county line to face their rival Murphy Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.