Kristie Oliver/Contributing Photographer A crew of volunteers begins track preparations at Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown on Jan. 24 ahead of the first scheduled practice session on March 1.

Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Abby Harris of Hiwassee Dam drives to the hoop to make a layup against Andrews on Thursday.

Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Ryan Payne dribbles past a Nantahala defender during their game on Jan. 9.

Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Nantahala junior Cole McCoy reached the 1,000-point mark Friday night during the Hawks’ game against Hayesville. McCoy is the team’s leading scorer so far this season. He is the first Little Smoky Mountain Conference junior to hit the 1,000-point mark since Olivia McNabb of Hiwassee Dam did so in January 2024. Pictured is McCoy (right) driving to the basket in their game against Murphy on Jan. 9.

Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com The seniors on the Murphy wrestling team are (from left) Luke Hyde, Heath Chastain and Jake Miller.

Erika Luther/Contributing Photographer The Andrews Termite Boys basketball team won the Christmas tournament hosted at Murphy High School to continue its undefeated season. From left are coach Trevor Waldroup, Aiden Bryant, Lincoln Greene, Casen Luther, Jackson Waldroup, Jordan Garrett, Ian Sargent, Cooper Vaught, Connor Helton, Nicco Baxter, Keyon Blackwell and coach Keevon Allen. Not pictured are Jude Daugherty, Case Tucker, Grayson Palmer, Jaxson Chance and Landan Adams.