Heather Watson/ Contributing Photographer Murphy High School senior Janthony Gooden (middle) signed a letter of commitment to continue his football and academic career at Catawba College in Salisbury. The standout lineman signed the letter on Feb. 4. Janthony is joined by (from left) Angela Gooden, Nova Gooden, Neiko Gooden and Anthony Gooden.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Murphy High School honored its senior boys basketball players on Feb. 4. From left are assistant coach Michael Kernea, Camden Breazeale, Kyle Luke, Elijah Twiggs, Abram Twiggs, McKinnley Dockery, Aaron Harger, Cale Harger, Ryan Payne, Tyler Payne, head coach Heath Curtis and assistant coach Cody Allen.
Photos by Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Murphy High School honored senior girls varsity basketball players Emma Laney (top) and Ella Howard (bottom) on Feb. 4.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Andrews High School honored winter sports student-athletes before Friday night’s basketball games. Joined by their families are seniors (from left) Alexis Beasley, Jaden Crocker, Rileigh LeQuire, Jay C Palmer, Isaac Patrick, Chanteah Rattler and Logan Shuler.
Jimmy Kelly of Hiwassee Dam goes up for a layup against Mountain Area Christian Academy on Jan. 27.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Hayden Virtanen wrestles at home against Murphy on Nov. 26, 2025.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Brady Queen of Andrews drives past a Rosman defender on Jan. 22.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Nantahala senior Cole McCoy was honored with a plaque and banner Thursday for becoming the Hawks’ all-time leading scorer. He surpassed the previous record of 1,565 career points to etch his name in the school’s basketball history book.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Ryan Payne of Murphy goes up for a layup against Rabun County, Ga., on Dec. 29. The Murphy boys are the No. 3 ranked team in 2A.
Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Brooklyn Orton of Hiwassee Dam goes up for a layup against Andrews on Friday.