Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Nantahala senior and basketball player Matthew Pendergrass recently experienced a hard loss and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him and his mother.
BASKETBALL
Local athlete needs help
Matthew Pendergrass of Nantahala recently experienced a tremendous loss. He lost his grandmother, leaving him and his mother Marie with an emotional and financial gap in their lives.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the costs of daily needs, as well as any school costs.
Matthew plays basketball for the Nantahala Hawks, is a volunteer firefighter and is well-known in the community for his kindness and dedication.
Details: To donate, visit shorturl.at/gs0fJ.
FOOTBALL
Holloway to play at FAU
Florida Atlantic University announced the signing of Tucker Holloway of Andrews on Monday.
Holloway, a wide receiver and punt returner, played at Virginia Tech before entering the transfer portal in 2025.
He has two years of eligibility and will play next season with the Owls.
During his time at Virginia Tech, he had 149 yards, with one rushing touchdown and a punt return touchdown.
WRESTLING
10th sell-out to start year
The American Championship Wrestling Federation returned to the Peachtree Community Center on Saturday night and kicked off the year with their 10th straight sold out show.
In singles action, Void defeated Ace Hart, while Gun Metal Gray defeated Dreadwing. In triple threat action, Robert Starr defeated Deon Mercer and Mr. Atlanta II.
To set up the triple threat match, Zack Moore defeated Johnny Swinger with the help of Mr. Atlanta II.
Also in action, Moki and James Xero defeated Frodo and MD King, the American Outlaws defeated Flex Ferguson, Vito and BK Bennett and The Family defeated Billy Havoc and Adrian Hernandez.
SWIM
Early College hosts meet
The Tri-County Early College varsity swim team held their home meet on Dec. 13 at Murphy Health & Fitness.
The Jaguars finished in fourth place overall out of seven teams.
Fern Crayton came in first place in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle, setting a new record in the 500-yard event.
Sophia Evans had two top-three finishes as she came in second in the 100-yard freestyle and third in the 200-yard freestyle.
Also earning a top-three spot was Bryanna Ramirez-Jamie with a third place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke. The girls 200-yard medley relay team came in third place.
OUTDOORS
Deer season ending soon
The 2025 deer season wrapped up as gun season ended Jan. 1 across the state.
Bear season in the Mountain Bear Management Unit in western North Carolina also wrapped up Jan. 1.
With deer and bear seasons over, there are many animals still in-season.
Raccoon, opossum and gray and red squirrels are in-season until Feb. 28. Fox squirrels are in-season until Jan. 31.
Rabbit, quail, grouse and bobcat are also in-season until Feb. 28.
High school schedule
Today
Winter track
Meet @ Swain County, 3:30 p.m.
Wrestling
Andrews @ Rosman, 5 p.m.
Thursday
Girls basketball
Hiwassee Dam @ Polk County, Tenn., 6:30 p.m.
Murphy @ Blue Ridge Early College, 6 p.m.
Boys basketball
Hiwassee Dam @ Polk County, Tenn., 8 p.m.
Murphy @ Blue Ridge Early College, 7:30 p.m.
Friday
Girls basketball
Andrews vs. Murphy, 6:30 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam @ Cherokee, 6:30 p.m.
Nantahala vs. Summit Charter, 6 p.m.
Boys basketball
Andrews vs. Murphy, 8 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam @ Cherokee, 8 p.m.
Nantahala vs. Summit Charter, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Wrestling
Boys Smoky Mountain Conference duals @ Murphy, 8 a.m.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.