Hiwassee Dam Spoils Hayesville's Home Opener

Staff Report

The Hiwassee Dam varsity basketball teams made the short trip to Hayesville on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and returned home with a sweep of the Yellow Jackets in a competitive high school basketball doubleheader that featured intensity from start to finish.

Varsity action began with the girl's game, where Hiwassee Dam edged Hayesville in a hard-fought contest that set the tone for the night. Both teams played with energy and determination, continuing the competitive rivalry between the two programs. While Hayesville defended its home court well, the Eagles were able to do just enough to pull out the road victory, 52-50 and carry momentum into the boys’ game that followed.

That momentum proved crucial in the boys’ varsity matchup, as Hiwassee Dam escaped with a narrow 52–50 win in a tightly contested non-conference battle that wasn’t decided until the final moments. Hayesville led the majority of the game, however, Hiwassee Dam showed resilience down the stretch, snagging the lead in the fourth quarter and was able to hold off the Yellow Jackets.

Despite the sweep, Hayesville showed plenty of fight against the visiting Eagles, particularly in the boys’ game, where the outcome hung in the balance until the final buzzer. Hiwassee Dam, meanwhile, left Hayesville with confidence and momentum after a successful road trip against the Yellow Jackets.

Hayesville heads to Swain County on Dec. 22 for their first Big Smoky Mountain Conference battle of the season. For Hiwassee Dam, a Cherokee County rivalry awaits when the teams travel to Murphy on Dec. 18.