Highlands boys varsity basketball team gets beaten by Hayesville

Highlands boys varsity basketball team played a tough game against Hayesville on Wednesday, but lost in the end with a final score of 65-59.

Following their loss against Hayesville, Highlands played Swain at home on Friday and won 55-41.

Highlands next plays away against Hiwassee Dam at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Highlands Hunter Collins rejects a Hayesville shot on Wednesday.Highlands lost 65-59.

Highlands Destin Gearhart drives his way to the inside against Hayesville on Wednesday.

Highlands Mattson Gates does not have a clear path to the hoop but that does not deter him.

Highlands Jake Billingsley protects the ball while at the perimeter before forcing a play on Wednesday against Hayesville.

Highlands Drew Chalker scores 2 points and draws the foul on Wednesday.

Editor’s Note: I included this photo because it turned out being something unexpected. Highlands Mattson Gates (visible as a blurry shape at the bottom of the image) was driving to the hoop and when he jumped for the shot he suddenly fell. One second before this photo was taken, Gates was holding the ball right where it is in the picture. I’m not sure how he was taken out, but the other players’ faces seem to be processing how one moment Gates can be driving to the hoop, the next, Gates is gone.