Basketball Recap: Cherokee Finds Playoff Glory Versus Bradford Prep

Braves

Margin (Wins)

12/10/24 @ Blue Ridge Early College	96
02/04/25 @ Swain County	89
02/13/25 vs Swain County	84
01/28/25 @ Andrews	73
01/07/25 @ Highlands	72

It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Cherokee had no problem doing just that on Tuesday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Bradford Prep Bears 83-28. The Braves have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 21 contests by 31 points or more this season.

Cherokee got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Cecily 'Dvdaya' Swimmer out in front who went 6-for-11 to rack up 14 points in addition to six assists and four steals. 'Dvdaya' Swimmer is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last 15 games she's played. Aaliyah Rogers was another key player, going 7-for-11 en route to 16 points and four steals.

Cherokee smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in nine consecutive games.

Cherokee is on a roll lately: they've won 16 of their last 17 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 23-2 record this season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 51.6 points. This is the second loss in a row for Bradford Prep and nudges their season record down to 8-12.

Looking ahead, Cherokee will look to defend their home court on Friday against Carver at 6:00 p.m. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Cherokee has won 25 straight at home dating back to last season, while Carver won six straight on the road), something that'll have to change. Bradford Prep does not have any more games scheduled as of now.