By Debbie Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
The undefeated Hayesville Yellow Jackets met up with a tough match Friday, Jan.7 in Robbinsville, but managed to outlast the Black Knights for a 51-44 win.
Robbinsville kept the Jackets on their toes in the first quarter. Hayesville outscored Robbinsville 13-12 playing man-to-man on both sides of the court. The opening quarter set the tone for what was one of Hayesville’s tightest game so far this season so far.
In the second quarter, Jake McTaggart scored 11 of the Jackets’ 13 points. The Black Knights turned on their offensive abilities and continued to dodge Hayesville’s defense under the net. Robbinsville outscored the Jackets by one, resulting in a 26-26 tie at halftime.
Both teams amped up their play under the basket in the third quarter. The Jackets connected with the net to add 10 points while holding the Knights to 5. The aggressive defense from the Jackets enabled Hayesville to take the lead once again 36-31.
The final quarter of the game was another tough one with both teams pushing their skills to the limit. Robbinsville sank 13 points, but foul trouble from their side gave the Jackets extra chances from the charity stripe.
Kolbe Ashe sank 10 from the free throw line and Asher Brown hit three, which was a welcomed advantage for Hayesville. McTaggart hit the only contested shot in the final quarter of the game. The Jackets outscored Robbinsville 15-13 to seal the victory.
“Robbinsville is always a hard place to play,” said head coach Michael Cottrell. “The team played tough through a poor shooting night for a big road win.”
Ashe topped the scoring charts for the Jackets with 21 points including 12 from the foul line. McTaggart also hit double digits with 17, sinking eight baskets from the floor and one from the foul line. Adding points were Ethan Hooper with 6, Kyle Lunsford with 4 and Brown who had three successful free throws.
The Jackets return to action to host Franklin at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 then travel to Blue Ridge on Jan. 18.