389 Country
Staff Report
The Hayesville Yellow Jacket basketball team concluded their participation in the Battle of the States tournament with a 91-69 loss to Polk County High School (TN) on Monday, December 30. The annual tournament, hosted by Towns County High School in Hiawassee, Georgia, brought together top teams from the region for three days of intense competition.
Polk County's sharpshooting from beyond the arc proved to be the difference-maker, as the Tennessee team built a commanding lead with a barrage of three-point shots. Despite a determined effort, Hayesville was unable to close the gap.
The Yellow Jackets finished the tournament with an 0-3 record but showed flashes of promise, particularly from standout scorer Slade Crouch, who poured in a game-high 29 points. Brady Reynolds added 15 points, while Eli Chandler and Jackson Sellers contributed 9 and 8 points, respectively.
Hayesville will look to regroup and refocus as they return to action on Tuesday, January 7, hosting the Hiwassee Dam Eagles. The home matchup offers an opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to bounce back and start the new year on a positive note.