McMinn County Cherokees (Athens, TN) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Rhea County Golden Eagles (Evensville, TN), 66-48 in a non-league bout.

With the win, McMinn County upgrades its record to 12-10 on the season. The Cherokees host Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN) to play the Bears in a 4A District 5 bout on Friday, February 3. The Bears go into the bout with a record of 23-1. Bradley Central lost 75-69 in their recent non-league bout against McMinn Central (Englewood, TN)

Next up, the Golden Eagles play the Red Bank Lions (Chattanooga, TN) in a non-league bout, on Friday, February 3. Rhea County will attempt to upgrade on its 12-9 season record. The Lions go into the bout with a 2-10 record after their 63-22 league loss to Soddy Daisy (Soddy Daisy, TN).