Murphy wrestlers have grown a lot just since the beginning of the season.

Photos by April McNabb/Contributing Photographer The Hiwassee Dam basketball teams split with Swain County on Dec. 5. The Lady Eagles beat the Maroon Devils 48-45, while the boys team lost 66-52.

Photos from Murphy High School Athletic Facebook page A decent day for the Bulldogs at the King of the Mountain Tournament. Zach Kessler (above) won first place, Caeden Chastain (above right) place third and Josiah Niebla (right) also placed third.

The Hiwassee Dam varsity boys basketball team beat Copper Basin by a score of 59-52 on Nov. 29. On Friday, Polk County defeated Hiwassee Dam 91-56. The Eagles are 1-2 on the season.

The Murphy wrestling team only brought six boys and one girl to the Maroon Devil Invitational at Swain County on Nov. 18. Mason Ray and Gabe Chastain (shown above) won their way through wrestle-backs to third-place finishes. While Aiden Smith came up just short of medaling in her bracket, she won her way to the consolation finals to finish fourth. Coaches said the team showed lots of improvement throughout the day.

Photos by April McNabb/Contributing Photographer Jonah Hamby (31) calls for the ball during the Hiwassee Dam varsity boys basketball team’s game against Hayesville on Nov. 21, which the Eagles lost 61-55. Hiwassee Dam hosted Coppin Basin, Tenn., after the Cherokee Scout’s press time Tuesday.

Photos by Kevin Hensley/The Graham Star: Andrews Middle School players had their moments on Nov. 16, but Robbinsville Middle School ultimately prevailed 30-28.

The Andrews wrestling team held a benefit fishing tournament on Nov. 11. First place went to Ethan Sutton and Robbie Barter, second place to Benny and Bronson Kirby, and third place to Mitch Kirby and Tony Lands. The biggest fish was caught by Bronson. The tournament, which raised $851 for the wrestling team, was organized by Michael Carter, with plaques and prizes provided by Greg Boehm and Team Industries in Marble. Rex Cable is the team’s coach.