Cherokee Braves (Cherokee, NC) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad bounce the host Nantahala Hawks (Topton, NC), 68-30 in a league bout.

With the win, Cherokee upgrades its record to 7-6 on the season. The Braves travel to Highlands (Highlands, NC) to play the Highlanders in a 1A Smoky Mountain bout on Wednesday, January 17. The Highlanders go into the bout with a record of 2-12. Highlands lost 57-46 in their recent league bout against Swain County (Bryson City, NC)

Next up, the Hawks play the Swain County Maroon Devils (Bryson City, NC) in a 1A Smoky Mountain bout, on Wednesday, January 17. Nantahala will attempt to upgrade on its 3-8 season record. The Maroon Devils go into the bout with a 10-5 record after their 57-46 league win over Highlands (Highlands, NC).