Sports

(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Lila Roberts comes under attack as she tries to move the ball down the court.

(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Lila Roberts comes under attack as she tries to move the ball down the court.

JV Lady Jackets have thriller in Murphy

  After nearly a week-long break since their win over Swain County, the JV Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team returned to the court Thursday, Dec. 19 to face the Lady Bulldogs in Murphy. Hayesville fell behind early but managed to claw their way back in what became an instant classic.
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Queen City Native Gibson Leads Catamounts at Xavier

Cincinnati – Playing in front of his hometown friends and family, sophomore Kameron Gibson scored a team and season-best 16 points, but a second half scoring drought of over six minutes doomed Western Carolina in a 74-61 loss to Xavier as part of the Skip Prosser Classic at Cintas Center.
(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Jayden Moore plays tug of war with a Lady Brave to try to keep possesion and stay in bounds.

(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Jayden Moore plays tug of war with a Lady Brave to try to keep possesion and stay in bounds.

Cherokee stuns Lady Jackets

Fans of the Hayesville Middle School Lady Yellow Jackets settled into the gym at HMS Tuesday, Dec. 17 for the final game before the Christmas break. In a contest that could have major implications on the Smoky Mountain Conference championship, Hayesville hosted the Lady Braves of Cherokee.
(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Taylor McClure snags a steal and leads the Jackets up the floor.

(Kelli Graves * Clay County Progress) Taylor McClure snags a steal and leads the Jackets up the floor.

HMS Yellow Jackets down Cherokee by 30

On Tuesday, Dec. 19 the Yellow Jacket basketball team from Hayesville Middle School finished up the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule in a make-up game against Cherokee. Hayesville got off to a strong start and never looked back, giving the home fans an early gift of a 63-30 win.
(Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress) Ethan Taylor uses leverage to take his opponent off the ground.

(Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress) Ethan Taylor uses leverage to take his opponent off the ground.

Wrestling team takes second

Hayesville High School wrestling coach Mark Modica took his team across the state line Friday, Dec. 13 for “Friday Night Fights” which was hosted by Union County High School in Blairsville. At the end of the night, the Yellow Jackets found themselves in the silver medal spot on the podium.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Eli Roberts uses his speed to break free of a Swain County defender.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Eli Roberts uses his speed to break free of a Swain County defender.

Yellow Jackets dominant in wins

This free story made possible by WKRK radio So far this season the Hayesville Yellow Jackets are showing why they are the defending Smoky Mountain Conference champions.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Junior Jocelin Buckner watches her opponent’s eyes and anticipates a pass.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Junior Jocelin Buckner watches her opponent’s eyes and anticipates a pass.

Lady Jackets improve to 3-1

Hayesville’s varsity Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team made their home-court debut for the 2019-20 season against a pair of Smoky Mountain Conference opponents. On Tuesday, Dec. 10 Hayesville battled the Lady Tigers from Rosman, getting the 55-32 victory.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Emma Ashe looks for an open lane in front of the home crowd.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Emma Ashe looks for an open lane in front of the home crowd.

Home win for HMS Lady Jackets

Hayesville Middle School saw mixed results when its Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team faced off with conference opponents. Hayesville made the trip to Rosman Thursday, Dec. 12 and had a long ride home after losing 41-32.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Asher Brown uses smooth ball-handling skills to keep possesion.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Asher Brown uses smooth ball-handling skills to keep possesion.

HMS Jackets avenge loss

The boys’ basketball team from Hayesville Middle School was able to flex its offensive muscle when facing Rosman and Hiwassee Dam/Ranger. Against the Tigers on Thursday, Dec. 12, the Yellow Jackets won in a convincingly manner, out scoring Rosman 62-23. On their home court Monday, Dec.
(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Cecilia Jones fires a pass to an open Lady Jacket in Hayesvilles victory.

(Kelli Graves • Clay County Progress) Cecilia Jones fires a pass to an open Lady Jacket in Hayesvilles victory.

Big win for JV Lady Jackets

It was a rare one-game week for the JV Lady Yellow Jacket basketball team. Since Rosman does not have a JV girls team this season, Hayesville’s team had to wait until Swain County visited The Hive on Friday, Dec.13 to take the court.