GIRLS
Highlands 47, Hiw. Dam 30
The Lady Highlanders came out on top in a Dec. 20 battle for first place in the Little Smoky Mountain Conference.
The Lady Eagles (4-6 overall, 2-1 Little Smoky Mountain Conference) struggled with Highlands’ (4-4, 2-0) press, and scored their second fewest points in a game so far this season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Highlands on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Cherokee 66, Andrews 19
It was a tough night for the Lady Wildcats on Dec. 21 against one of the better teams in the Big Smoky Mountain Conference.
With senior Emily Mealer out with an illness, Andrews (1-7, 0-3 Big Smoky Mountain Conference) struggled to score more than usual, including a scoreless fourth quarter. Senior Kaylin Ellis led the Lady Wildcats with six points, while Kinleigh Queen added five.
BOYS
Hiw. Dam 73, Highlands 67
In a hard-fought game, the Eagles came out on top to stay undefeated at the Nest so far this season.
Highlands (3-5, 1-1) led 53-51 heading into the fourth quarter on Dec. 20 before strong performances by Preston Hyde (20 points) and Sam Bradford (22) propelled Hiwassee Dam (6-3, 2-0) to victory.
Cherokee 49, Andrews 38
The Wildcats led 17-15 at halftime, but the Braves’ Don Bradley took over in the second half to power the Braves to their first win in conference play on Dec. 21.
Ty Clark, Cam Rattler and Isaac Weaver each had a team-high nine points for Andrews (3-5, 0-3 Big SMC). Cherokee (5-3, 1-0) would beat Murphy the next day to complete the Cherokee County sweep.
This week
Andrews, Hiwassee Dam and Murphy are all playing in holiday tournaments that started Tuesday. Andrews and Hiwassee Dam will both be at the Maroon Devils Christmas Classic from Dec. 28-30, while Murphy will be at Battle of the States at Towns County (Ga.) High School on the same dates.
Both Wildcats teams opened the Swain tournament against Smoky Mountain, while both Eagles teams took on Tuscola. Murphy’s teams opened Battle of the States with a game against Coosa, Ga.
Compiled by Sports Writer Justin Fitzgerald.