Justin Fitzgerald/sports@cherokeescout.com Hiwassee Dam’s Sam Bradford goes up for a shot during the Eagles’ 63-51 loss to Robbinsville on Feb. 9. The two teams met again at Hiwassee Dam on Feb. 22 in the first round of the playoffs, with Robbinsville winning 61-53.
Christopher Lugo/The Highlander Hiwassee Dam’s Rylie Payne battles for the ball with Highlands’ Ezra Banham during the Eagles’ 66-43 loss to the Lady Highlanders on Feb. 22. It was Hiwassee Dam’s fourth loss to Highlands this season.
Cory Smith/Mount Airy News Mount Airy’s Tyler Mason rises to the rim as Andrews’ Isaac Weaver (5) and Andy Tatham try to disrupt his shot during the Wildcats’ 69-49 loss to the Granite Bears in the first round of the state 1A playoffs on Feb. 22.
Justin Fitzgerald/sports@cherokeescout.com Murphy’s Lochlan Rogers tries to keep Albemarle’s Amari Baldwin in front of her during Murphy’s 66-36 win over Albemarle in the third round of the state 1A playoffs Saturday. Rogers had a career-high 13 points in the win.
Murphy's Addie Johnson tries to get by Mitchell's Chandra Jenkins during the Lady Bulldogs' 64-47 win over the Lady Mountaineers on Thursday. Johnson scored a career-high 18 points in the win.
Justin Fitzgerald/sports@cherokeescout.com Murphy sophomore Lailee Holloway tries to get to the basket during the Lady Bulldogs’ 72-21 win over Elkin in the first round of the state playoffs Tuesday night. Holloway had a team-high 18 points in the win.
Murphy Middle School went undefeated on its way to a Smoky Mountain Conference boys basketball championship this season. Back row (from left): Cale Harger, Abram Twiggs, Camden Breazeale, Elijah Twiggs and Landan Ennis. Front row (from left): coach Robert Payne, Ryan Payne, Aaron Harger, Tyler Payne, Robert Turner, Brady Grant, AJ Rice, Cruz Yarbro, Brayden Gutierrez and coach Henry Grant.
Justin Fitzgerald/sports@cherokeescout.com Kegan Ellis of Andrews tries to fool a Hayesville defender during the Wildcats’ 66-53 loss to the Yellow Jackets on Feb. 14.
Justin Fitzgerald/sports@cherokeescout.com Hiwassee Dam won the Little Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament for the first time since 2018 with an 88-44 win over Highlands on Thursday.