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Staff Report
HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hayesville High School gymnasium was buzzing with excitement on Friday, Jan. 31, as the Yellow Jackets and Lady Yellow Jackets hosted Cherokee High School in a pair of Smoky Mountain Conference basketball matchups. The evening featured a dominant performance by the Cherokee Lady Braves and a thrilling victory for the Hayesville boys, capping off an intense night of hoops.
The night began with the Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets taking on the Cherokee Lady Braves. Cherokee, ranked #2 in North Carolina’s 1A division and #21 overall in the state, showcased why they are one of the top teams in the region. The Lady Braves stormed out to a commanding 22-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, extending their advantage to 35-11 by halftime and 56-15 after three quarters. They ultimately secured a decisive 67-24 victory.
Hayesville struggled to find their rhythm, missing starting point guard Ava Shook for the third consecutive game due to illness. Breanna Abrams led the Lady Yellow Jackets with 8 points, while Jasmine Brooks contributed 6 and Mallory Peck added 4. Despite the loss, Hayesville’s players showed resilience against a formidable opponent.
The boys’ game provided a stark contrast to the earlier contest, delivering a tightly fought battle between the Hayesville Yellow Jackets and the Cherokee Braves. Hayesville held a narrow 14-13 lead after the first quarter, and the teams were deadlocked at 21-21 by halftime. The Yellow Jackets surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Cherokee 19-11 to take a 40-32 lead into the final period. Despite a late push by the Braves, Hayesville held on to secure a 58-53 victory, improving their season record to 9-9.
Slade Crouch led the charge for Hayesville with a game-high 22 points, while Brady Reynolds added 18 and Cooper Matheson chipped in 8. The win was a testament to the team’s determination and ability to execute under pressure.
Both Hayesville teams will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 4, when they travel to Robbinsville to face the Black Knights in another Smoky Mountain Conference showdown. The Lady Yellow Jackets will look to bounce back from Friday’s loss, while the boys’ team aims to build on their hard-fought victory and five-game winning streak.
Fans can expect more exciting basketball as the season progresses, with both Hayesville squads striving to make their mark in the conference standings.
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