By Cannon Crompton Mary Lynn Hulsey
Hayesville – Hiwassee Dam traveled across county lines to take on Hayesville, where the teams split their games.
The Lady Eagles (9-2) were victorious against the Lady Yellow Jackets (4-6), but the boys varsity team (6-5) lost despite a tied first half. In their last meeting, both Hiwassee Dam teams picked up wins.
Lady Eagles
In their second game back from the break the girls brought home a victory, making them undefeated in the new year.
The game kicked off fast with Olivia McNabb scoring the first points for the Lady Eagles within the first two minutes, with a layup from Brooklyn Hyde shortly after. Due to their quick defensive skills, Hiwassee Dam stole the ball on an offensive Hayesville play to give them an early 6-3 lead, prompting a timeout called by Hayesville.
Back on the court, Hiwassee Dam maintained possession of the ball, allowing them to secure their lead over the first quarter.
The Lady Eagles continued to grow their advantage by playing solid defense and keeping the ball moving. Quick passes between the girls allowed them to keep control over the game throughout the second quarter, which ended with the scoreboard showing 21-15 at halftime.
During the second half, tensions between the teams raised as the Yellow Jackets climbed back up the ladder. The scores were tied halfway into the third quarter, with the ball moving up and down the court as the teams countering each other’s plays.
Just before the start of the fourth quarter, Hiwassee Dam regained possession of the lead. Both teams fought hard until the end, but the Jackets were exterminated 49-42.
McNabb led the Lady Eagles with 25 points, including 11 in the third quarter. Brinkley Payne was also in double digits with 11 points overall.
Boys varsity
Despite a tight first half between the two teams, the Eagles fell to Hayesville 62-53.
The loss extends their losing streak to four games – all against Big Smoky Mountain Conference competition. Despite the fourth straight loss, the last two have been by 10 points or less.
In the first quarter on Jan. 7, the Eagles got out to an early lead by making three-point shots and converting free throws. The Eagles were 3/4 from the charity stripe in the first quarter, and Jonah Dockery made two 3-pointers en route to building a 14-10 lead heading into the second quarter.
Hayesville (3-7) came out in the second quarter and scored 15 points to tie the game at 25 heading into halftime. Dockery made his third 3 of the match in the second.
The Yellow Jackets followed up their 15-point second quarter with a 20-point third quarter to extend their lead coming out of halftime. Hayesville played tough defense, which limited the Eagles’ looks at shots.
In the final minute of the third quarter, they extended their lead to 10 points for the first time, then took a 12-point lead to the fourth quarter.
The Yellow Jackets continued to maintain their lead throughout the fourth. In the final minutes of the quarter, the Eagles made a late push to cut into the lead, but it was not enough as they fell to Hayesville 62-53.
Braiden Ledford led the Eagles, with 13 of his 20 points coming in the second half. Dockery was the only other Eagles player in double digits with 12 points, 11 in the first half.
Aidan Bennett and Luke Harbin both had seven points. Six of Harbin’s seven came from beyond the arch.
Up next
The Eagles will take on another Smoky Mountain Conference opponent when they host Cherokee on Friday night at The Nest. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., while the boys start at 7:30 p.m.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, they will head across state lines to take on Copper Basin, Tenn.
The boys varsity team will play their next Little Smoky Mountain Conference game Tuesday, Jan. 28, when they travel to Nantahala.