Both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams from Andrews lost heartbreaking games in the first round of the state 1A playoffs.
The boys squad hosted Winston-Salem Prep as the Wildcats were one of three Cherokee County teams to play at home on Feb. 25. The Lady Wildcats hit the road to take on Avery County the same day.
Boys varsity
Coming off of winning the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament, Andrews faced a tough Winston-Salem Prep team. The Cats lost 55-52 to see their season come to an end.
The Cats got out front early, but the Phoenix of Winston-Salem Prep soon took the lead. Andrews regained the lead to end the quarter leading 18-14.
In the second quarter, the Cats maintained the lead and added 13 points to lead 31-25 at halftime. The Phoenix then tied the game at 40 to end the third quarter.
Both teams fought hard to win coming down the stretch of the fourth quarter, with a trip to the second round on the line.
The Phoenix held the ball in the final minute to drain the clock. The Cats fouled to stop the clock and get the ball back. They made a free throw to take a three-point lead with only seconds left in the game.
The Cats inbounded the ball, but turned it over. Once the Phoenix inbounded the ball, they held it as time expired.
The Wildcats were led by Gabe Clark with 20 points, including six 3-pointers. Ty Clark was also in double digits with 14 points. Ty Clark led the team with four rebounds and also three assists.
None of the boys teams from the SMC advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The Cats end the season as conference champions with a 20-8 overall record.
Girls varsity
The Lady Wildcats traveled to Newland to take on Avery County in their first round matchup. They also lost their first-round game 55-52.
The Lady Vikings of Avery County took an early lead with 19 points in the first quarter and only allowed the Lady Cats to score five points. Andrews fought back in the second quarter with 18 points but trailed 29-23 at halftime.
The Lady Vikings maintained their lead coming out of halftime, despite the Lady Wildcats outscoring them 17-16 in the third quarter. Despite outscoring them 12-10 in the final frame, the Lady Cats came up just short.
Three Lady Cats were in double digits in the first-round game. Senior Kylie Donaldson led the team with 15 points, including three 3-pointers. Drea Cutshaw had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, and led the team in assists with four. Knox Davis was also in double digits with 14 points.
Both Chanteah Rattler and Alexis Beasley had six rebounds.
The Lady Wildcats ended their season with an overall record of 12-12. The last time the Lady Cats finished 12-12 was the 2015-16 season.