How Jackson Sellers developed into two-way star for Hayesville baseball

HAYESVILLE – Jackson Sellers could have called game after the first inning.

The Hayesville senior barreled an 0-2 pitch and drove it out to left center for a three-run home run in the first, giving enough run support for Hayesville’s best pitcher – himself.

Swain County scratched across two runs, but Sellers’ third homer of the season was enough to lead the No. 3 Yellow Jackets (16-4) to a 9-2 win over the No. 14 Maroon Devils (10-10) in the second round of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs May 8.

Sellers, the batter, drove in five runs, while Sellers, the pitcher, struck out 11.

“There’s no better feeling,” Sellers said. “Carrying my team, and being a leader for this team, I’m excited for what we can do in the next round.”

Hayesville baseball senior Jackson Sellers warms up in the bullpen before a playoff game against Swain County on May 8, 2026. Hayesville won 9-2 and Sellers had five RBIs.

Hayesville advances to the third round on May 12 to face the winner of No. 6 Cornerstone Charter and No. 11 Bishop McGuinness.

The win was Hayesville’s 16th in a row. After dominating Swain County twice in the regular season, 16-1 and 10-0, Sellers said the Yellow Jackets thought it would be more of the same. That led to some lackadaisical fielding that made the game 3-2 before Sellers struck out three straight with two runners on.

“We really had to bear down as a team to get this win,” Sellers said. “It was a tough one, but we got the bats going and it went from there.”

Sellers has been one of Western North Carolina’s best two-way players and earned All-WNC honors as a utilityman each of the last two seasons. He’s driven in 37 at the plate and has struck out 85 on the mound.