The Murphy Bulldogs basketball team (Murphy, NC), dropped 85-65 in Monday's league battle with the host Cherokee Braves (Cherokee, NC)

The Braves now possess a 15-3 record. They put it on the line next when they host Andrews for a Smoky Mountain - Big 1A battle on Tuesday, February 6. Cherokee will battle a Wildcats team coming off a 57-51 non-league win over Highlands (Highlands, NC). The Wildcats record now stands at 8-14.

The Bulldogs (14-7) will now prepare for their battle against Swain County (Bryson City, NC). The Maroon Devils come into the Smoky Mountain - Big 1A battle with a 11-11 record. In their last battle, Swain County prevailed over Blue Ridge Early College (Cashiers, NC), 70-48, in a non-league battle.