HMS Jackets Suffer First Loss

Press Release

The HMS Men’s Basketball team lost their first game of the season tonight in a tightly contested game to Cherokee.

Cherokee jumped out to an 18-13 lead after one. The Jackets defense tightened up in the second quarter, limiting Cherokee to only 6 points, narrowing the halftime lead to 24-22.

Hayesville’s defense remained tough throughout the third, only giving up 5 points. After three quarters, the Jackets took a one point lead into the 4th quarter, up 30-29.

The Jackets lengthened their lead to 4, up 33-29 before Cherokee hit a 3 to narrow the score to one. The lead changed hands several times in the 4th quarter before Cherokee would hit two free throws to seal the 45-42 win.

Coach Peck said he told his team beforehand that it would be a battle and likely come down to three things, “Fitness, Foul Trouble and Free Throws.”

Head coach Rob Peck shared his post-game thoughts, saying, “We struggled from the free throw line tonight, missing 14. That really was a difference maker. All in all, we knew it would be a battle between two unbeaten teams. I am proud of our teams effort tonight, especially in light of the adversity we have experienced in the last week.”

The Jackets shot 41.5% from the field, holding Cherokee to 36%. Turnovers and rebounds were nearly identical.

The Jackets will return to the home court on Monday, December 1, vs Robbinsville in what should be another exciting match-up.

“We will get back at it tomorrow and keep working. You can learn a lot about the character of your team by how they respond to a loss,” stated Peck. He added, “We want to thank all the fans who came out to support both Jacket teams. It was a great atmosphere for these young players to experience.”