Cherokee Braves (Cherokee, NC) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad bounce the visiting Hiwassee Dam Eagles (Murphy, NC), 98-32 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Cherokee upgrades its record to 19-1 on the campaign. The Braves host Murphy (Murphy, NC) to play the Bulldogs in a 1A Big Smoky bout on Friday, February 9. The Bulldogs come into the bout with a record of 2-16. Murphy lost 44-35 in their recent non-league bout against Highlands (Highlands, NC)

Next up, the Eagles play the Nantahala Hawks (Topton, NC) in a 1A Little Smoky bout, on Friday, February 9. Hiwassee Dam will attempt to upgrade on its 17-4 season record. The Hawks come into the bout with a 2-13 record after their 41-29 league win over Blue Ridge Early College (Cashiers, NC).