Sports

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Junior Blake McClure soars to the basket for 2 of his 8 points Monday.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Junior Blake McClure soars to the basket for 2 of his 8 points Monday.

Jackets improve to 19-2

The regular season is winding down and with their success so far this season, the varsity Yellow Jackets are getting every opponent’s best effort. On Friday, Jan. 31 the Swain County Maroon Devils tried to stop Hayesville’s winning ways.
Seth Hedden finds himself in a double team situation against Robbinsville.

Seth Hedden finds himself in a double team situation against Robbinsville.

JV Jackets lose pair of games

Hayesville’s JV Yellow Jacket basketball team has faced some stiff competition as of late. The team travelled to Robbinsville Friday, Jan. 24 where they failed to contain the Black Knights, losing 45-31. On Monday, Jan.
The trio of Annessca Guyette, Lila Roberts and Kaylee Leath- erwood clog the lane against Robbinsville.

The trio of Annessca Guyette, Lila Roberts and Kaylee Leath- erwood clog the lane against Robbinsville.

Two more wins for the JV Lady Jackets

Hayesville’s JV Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team has managed to get a pair of wins over some tough com- petition. Hayesville went on the road Friday, Jan. 24 and picked up a conference win over Robbinsville by the final of 41-21.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Sophomore Lila Payne lowers a shoulder and drives past a Lady Knight and towards the basket.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Sophomore Lila Payne lowers a shoulder and drives past a Lady Knight and towards the basket.

Lady Jackets face top teams in state

After a home loss to the No. 1 ranked team from Murphy Tuesday, Jan. 21, things didn’t get any easier for the varsity Lady Yellow Jacket team. Hayesville traveled to Robbinsville Friday, Jan. 24 to face the No. 5 ranked Lady Black Knights.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Point guard Kolbe Ashe tries to create room to work against the Black Knights.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Point guard Kolbe Ashe tries to create room to work against the Black Knights.

Jackets avenge loss to Franklin

The varsity basketball team from Hayesville High school has electrified Jacket Nation with their current winning streak. Against Robbinsville, Friday, Jan. 24, the Yellow Jackets made it eight wins in a row with a 66-22 victory. On Monday, Jan.
(Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress) Jake McTaggart

(Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress) Jake McTaggart

McTaggart receives first offer

News broke early Saturday, Jan. 25 that Hayesville sophomore tight end Jake McTaggart had received his first official offer to play football at the next level. The offer came from the University of Kentucky and is the first of what many believe will be many.
Photo courtesy of YHC Athletics/S and S Pix

Photo courtesy of YHC Athletics/S and S Pix

Mountain Lions storm past Hurricanes 87-61

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College men's basketball pulled away for an 87-61 Peach Belt Conference victory over Georgia Southwestern State University Wednesday (Jan. 22) evening at the YHC Basketball Arena.
Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress Kynnly McClure attacks the basket as the Lady Jackets try to rally against the No.1 team in the state.

Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress Kynnly McClure attacks the basket as the Lady Jackets try to rally against the No.1 team in the state.

Lady Jackets come up short to Murphy

Hayesville coach Chad McClure and his Lady Yellow Jacket team knew they would have to be at the top of their game when Hayesville hosted Murphy Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Lady Bulldogs entered the match-up undefeated and ranked No.1 in the state.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Hayesville head coach Mike Cottrell, flanked by HHS principal Jim Saltz to his right and wife Jenny, and sons Josh and Zach to his left, is honored for his 400th win as coach of the Yellow Jackets.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Hayesville head coach Mike Cottrell, flanked by HHS principal Jim Saltz to his right and wife Jenny, and sons Josh and Zach to his left, is honored for his 400th win as coach of the Yellow Jackets.

Cottrell celebrates with win

On a night where head coach Mike Cottrell was honored, the varsity Yellow Jacket basketball team flexed their muscles. Hayesville played host to Murphy Tuesday, Jan. 21 and thrilled Jacket Nation with a dominating performance. The Jackets cruised to a 69-39 win over their rivals.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Former Lady Yellow Jacket Amanda Thompson holds her now retired No. 20 high in front of a packed gym as her family looks on with smiles.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Former Lady Yellow Jacket Amanda Thompson holds her now retired No. 20 high in front of a packed gym as her family looks on with smiles.

Thompson honored, No. 20 jersey retired

The atmosphere in The Hive was electric Friday, Jan. 10 as fans poured in to witness history. Following a Lady Yellow Jacket win over Andrews, Hayesville High School officials made their way to half court. The reason, to retire the No. 20 worn by Amanda Thompson during her time at HHS.