Bryson City – Visiting Cherokee used a strong second half, outscoring Swain 42-23, to take a 70-52 win on Wednesday. Cherokee came into the game as the 3rd ranked 1A team in the West. But Swain clearly had the Braves on the ropes in the first half, as they carried a 29-28 lead into the break after having led for most of the 2nd quarter.
The Lady Devils put on a torrid display in the 2nd quarter as they hit 6 3-point field goals in the quarter alone. Seniors Kiersten Smith and Maddie Spates hit two each, while Marlee Hicks and Amaya Hicks hit one each.
Cherokee’s 3rd quarter run was fueled by Kyla Moore, Dvdaya Swimmer and Loshi Ward. Moore and Swimmer had 7 points each in the quarter while Ward added 6.
Swain got a team high 12 points from Maddie Spates. Mya Burrows-Kurr added 9 while Marlee Hicks finished with 7 for the Lady Devils. Amaya Hicks dished out a game high 5 assists and Marlee Hicks finished with 7 rebounds.
Whitney Rogers paced the Braves with a game high 18 points. Kyla Moore would finish with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Dvdaya Swimmer added 12 points and Loshi Ward had 10 for Cherokee.