ATHLETICS
Realignment second draft
The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the second draft of their realignment plan that will take effect in the 2025-26 school year on Jan. 21.
In the second draft, they made changes to several conferences. However, there were no changes to what will be the 1A/2A Smoky Mountain Conference next season.
Changes to the SMC that are reflective of the Average Daily Membership numbers that will shape the conference next season are as follows:
Rosman and Summit Charter – both 1A – will be added to what they are calling “1A/2A Conference H.” Cherokee, Hayesville, Murphy and Swain County will be 2A schools. Andrews, Hiwassee Dam, Tri-County Early College, Blue Ridge Early College, Highlands, Nantahala and Robbinsville, as well as Rosman and Summit Charter, will be the 1A schools in the conference.
BASKETBALL
Hawks pick up a big win
The Nantahala Hawks started their week with a 91-80 win over Copper Basin, Tenn., on Jan. 21. At the game, junior Cole McCoy was given a game ball and honored for scoring his 1,000th point in his high school career in their Jan. 17 game against Hayesville.
On Thursday, the Hawks traveled to Hiawassee, Ga., to take on Eastgate Life Academy and lost 76-68.
On Friday, they played their second Little Smoky Mountain Conference game against Blue Ridge Early College. Nantahala secured a 76-44 win to improve to 2-0 in the conference and 8-9 overall.
WRESTLING
Cats’ Roehm at nationals
Andrews Middle School wrestler Isaiah Roehm competed in Asheville at the New South Nationals on Dec. 22.
He went 2-2 on the day and brought home a fourth-place finish in a tough division. Roehm weighed in at 76 pounds – the weight class he usually wrestles at – while the rest of the weight class weighed in from 92-97 pounds.
In his first match, he fought hard and won. In the semifinal match, Roehm lost by pin with four seconds left.
In his semifinal matchup of the consolation bracket, he won 6-1. In the finals of the consolation bracket, Roehm fought hard in a close match, but lost by pin with 30 seconds left.
TRACK
Indoor track meet still off
Another indoor track meet has been canceled due to inclement winter weather and poor road conditions.
The meet scheduled for Jan. 22 at Swain County was canceled. That was scheduled to be the final regular season meet.
Teams will head to Cherokee for the Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet today. Teams will also compete to qualify for a spot in the regional meet with qualifying times or throws.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.