BASKETBALL
Hawks fall before break
The Nantahala varsity basketball teams started the week by hosting Swain County on Dec. 16. The boys lost 83-60 to the Maroon Devils, while the Lady Hawks also lost.
They were back on the court Friday at Rosman. In the last games before break. The boys lost 72-35, while the girls lost 64-20.
After they return from winter break, they will host Murphy on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, with the girls playing at 6 p.m. and the boys directly after. They will also play Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 when they host conference opponent Summit Charter Academy. The time will be the same as the game against Murphy.
FOOTBALL
15 named All-SMC
A total of 15 local varsity football players named All-Smoky Mountain Conference for the 2025 season.
Murphy’s Janthony Gooden was aimed Lineman of the Year, while Cameron Clem was named Back of the Year.
From Murphy, Landon Lape, Elijah Kerley, Anthony Catuto, Ryan Payne, Blake Davis, Brady Grant, Jerry Bui, Jude Pinkerton, Camden Breazeale, Brody Orton, Grayson Hall, Aayden Williams and Dontae Barber were named All-SMC.
From Andrews, Kelby Waldroup was named All-SMC honorable mention. Murphy’s Braiden Gaither and Dalton Farmer were also named All-SMC honorable mentions this season.
WRESTLING
Return to ring soon
The American Championship Wrestling Federation will look to start 2026 with its 10th straight sold-out show. The last show on Dec. 13 was its ninth straight sell out.
“Frostbite Fury” on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, is sure to host big matches to kickoff 2026 at the Peachtree Community Center.
ACWF superstars Frodo, Flex Ferguson, KZ Smith, Vito, American Standard, MD King, Killshot, Axel Gunn, Kevin Seiber and more will be in action.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.
OUTDOORS
Deer season ending soon
The 2025 deer season will wrap up soon as gun season ends Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, across the state.
Bear season in the Mountain Bear Management Unit in western North Carolina will also wrap up Jan. 1. Despite deer and bear seasons ending soon, there are many animals still in-season.
Raccoon, opossum and gray and red squirrels are in-season until Feb. 28, 2026. Fox squirrels are in-season until Jan. 31, 2026. Rabbit, quail, grouse and bobcat are also in-season until Feb. 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.