389 Country
Staff Report
The Hayesville Yellow Jackets varsity basketball teams traveled to Andrews on Friday, Feb. 7, for a pair of Smoky Mountain Conference matchups against the Andrews Wildcats. The night saw a victory for the Lady Yellow Jackets and a hard-fought loss for the boys' team in another close contest.
The evening began with the Hayesville girls taking on the Lady Wildcats in a tightly contested game. Hayesville came out strong in the first quarter, establishing a 17-10 lead. They extended their advantage to 26-18 by halftime. Andrews fought back in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 32-27, but the Lady Yellow Jackets held their ground and sealed a 46-34 victory.
Balanced scoring propelled Hayesville to the win, with Breanna Abrams and Mallory Peck each contributing 12 points. Ava Shook added 11, while Briley Clampitt and Bryleigh Krieger chipped in with 6 and 5 points, respectively. The victory improves Hayesville's overall record to 11-10 and solidifies their position in fourth place in the SMC standings.
Following the girls' game, the Hayesville boys looked to avenge their previous overtime loss to Andrews. The Wildcats, however, once again proved to be a formidable opponent.
Andrews held a slim 17-14 lead after the first quarter and maintained their edge at halftime, leading 27-23. Hayesville fought back in the third quarter, closing the gap to 34-33, but the Wildcats held on in the final frame, securing a 49-42 victory.
Brady Reynolds led the Yellow Jackets' scoring effort with 17 points, while Slade Crouch was the only other player in double figures with 14. The loss drops Hayesville's SMC record to 4-4, placing them third in the conference standings.
The Yellow Jackets have little time to dwell on Friday's results as they prepare for a quick turnaround. Hayesville will be back in action at home on Saturday, Feb. 8, hosting Highlands in a non-conference matchup to cap off a busy week.