BASKETBALL
Hawks get 2 big wins
The Nantahala boys team started the week by facing Mountain Area Christian Academy from Morganton, Ga., on the road Jan. 5.
The Hawks won 79-53 with double-doubles by Cole McCoy and Samuel Bateman. McCoy had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bateman had 13 points and 10 rebounds. McCoy was three assists shy of a triple-double.
The Hawks were back in action Friday at home against Summit Charter.
In a close game, the Hawks battled and won 69-64 to round out a winning week. The girls lost to Summit 65-26.
TRACK
Cats run at Swain
The Andrews winter – also called indoor – track team kicked off the 2026 portion of the season by competing at Swain County High School on Jan. 7.
Caleb Helton was the Wildcats’ highest finisher with a first place in the high jump. Coming in the top three were Christian Helton in second in triple jump, AJ Johnson in third in long jump and Logan Patrick in third in shot put.
Earning a top-five finish were Natalie Garrett in fourth place in triple jump and Isaac Patrick in fifth in the 55-meter dash.
The Andrews winter track team will be back in action at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, when the Cats return to Swain.
BASEBALL
Little league signups open
Registration is open for the Blue Ridge Mountain Little League 2026 season until Jan. 31.
T-ball, baseball and softball teams are available and are open to both boys and girls. A birth certificate is also required for registration.
Non-competitive T-ball and competitive T-ball for ages 3-6 is $48. Meanwhile, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U baseball and softball is $88.
Details: Visit brmlittleleague.com.
BASKETBALL
Local athlete needs help
Matthew Pendergrass of Nantahala has 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: Visit shorturl.at/gs0fJ.
SWIM
Early College in 3rd place
The Tri-County Early College swim team came in third place during Saturday’s meet at Franklin.
Fern Crayton came in first place in the 500-yard freestyle and second in the 200-yard individual medley. Tori Jimenez finished second in the 500-yard freestyle.
Robert Kominowski came in third place in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. Bryanna Ramirez-Jaime and Mason Smith both came in fourth place in their respective 100-yard breaststroke events, while Elias Diaz-Menchu also came in fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke.
The girls 200-yard medley relay came in third place, and the boys 200-yard freestyle relay came in fourth place.
High school schedule
Today
Girls basketball
Andrews vs. Blue Ridge Early College, 6:30 p.m.
Murphy vs. Highlands, 6:30 p.m.
Boys basketball
Andrews vs. Blue Ridge Early College, 8 p.m.
Murphy vs. Highlands, 8 p.m.
Thursday
Wrestling
Murphy @ Fannin County, Ga., 5 p.m.
Friday
Girls basketball
Hiwassee Dam vs. Summit Charter, 8 p.m.
Murphy vs. Swain County, 6:30 p.m.
Andrews @ Hayesville, 6:30 p.m.
Nantahala @ Highlands, 6 p.m.
Boys basketball
Hiwassee Dam vs. Summit Charter, 6 p.m.
Murphy vs. Swain County, 8 p.m.
Andrews @ Hayesville, 8 p.m.
Nantahala @ Highlands, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Wrestling
Andrews, Murphy @ Robbinsville, 9 a.m.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.