Fans at Saturday's non-league challenge between the McMinn County Cherokees (Athens, TN) and the visiting Brainerd Panthers (Chattanooga, TN), saw McMinn County's basketball squad hold off Brainerd by a tally of 63-61.

With the victory, McMinn County improves its record to 6-9 on the campaign. The Cherokees host Walker Valley (Cleveland, TN) to confront the Mustangs in a 4A District 5 challenge on Friday, January 19. The Mustangs come into the challenge with a record of 13-7. Walker Valley lost 79-61 in their recent non-league challenge against Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN)

Next up, the Panthers confront the Bledsoe County Warriors (Pikeville, TN) in a 2A District 4 challenge, on Thursday, January 18. Brainerd will attempt to improve on its 4-11 season record. The Warriors come into the challenge with a 8-4 record after their 65-60 league loss to Sequatchie County (Dunlap, TN).