Cherokee’s girls basketball team won its conference tournament last weekend, but leaders say the celebration was tainted by inappropriate actions from members of the opposing fan base.

The Lady Braves defeated Hayesville 63-24 in the conference championship game, which was plaeyd at Hayesville High School. According to Michell Hicks, the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the team was subjected to “blatant racism and hostility” after the game.

In a written statement, Hicks says the behavior should not be tolerated, but he raised concerns about how administration reacted after the incident.

“The Clay County school administration has failed to address the issues in a fair manner, and we will not stand for it,” Hicks said in his statement.

Melissa Godfrey, the Superintendent of Clay County Schools, told HighSchoolOT that her district has been in contact with the Cherokee Central Schools administration since the incident happened. She says she has reached out to Hicks to continue discussions.

“I am hopeful we can work together to help our communities move forward in a positive and productive way for the benefit of everyone,” Godfrey said.

According to Godfrey, two Hayesville fans were seen using inappropriate hand gestures while the Cherokee girls basketball team took a championship photo after the game. One of the fans involved is an employee of Clay County Schools.

“This behavior does not reflect the values of our school system or community, and we deeply regret it,” Godfrey said, adding that restrictions have already been placed on future attendance at sports events for people involved.

Godfrey said the school employee issued an apology on social media, but said state law and board policy prevent her from providing any additional information about the employee.

“We deeply regret the manner in which these two individuals chose to express themselves during the Cherokee Central celebration. Despite the circumstances, we congratulate the Cherokee Central Lady Braves on their championship. We look forward to future competitions within the expectations of both our school systems for mutual respect that is the hallmark of good sportsmanship,” said Godfrey.

In his statement, Hicks said the incident at Hayesville is not the first time athletes at Cherokee High School have been subjected to discriminatory behavior.

“This seems to be a severely one-sided issue that is pointed directly at the Cherokee fan base and players. The thought of coming into a facility knowing that prejudice is apparent including how referees act and attempt to manage games in the opposing favor. Schools and referees are responsible for protecting student-athletes and upholding the principles of respect, sportsmanship, and fair competition. When the administration and process fail to do so, they must be held accountable,” Hicks said.

Hicks called on the N.C. High School Athletic Association to act, saying the association “must enforce the standards it claims to uphold.” The NCHSAA says Commissioner Que Tucker has been in contact with the schools and districts involved.

“The NCHSAA takes issues of racism, poor sportsmanship, and bullying very seriously, and the Association has been made aware of the events that occurred this weekend,” the association said in a statement to HighSchoolOT. “Commissioner Tucker has been in contact with the involved parties. While those conversations continue, it is the policy of the NCHSAA to not comment publicly on these types of situations.”

Hicks said the community is proud of the Cherokee girls basketball team for how it responded.

“Despite the hostility they faced, our student-athletes showed true strength, perseverance, and class,” Hicks said. “They rose above the negativity, competed with heart, and proved what it means to be a champion — on and off the court. We are incredibly proud of them and will always stand behind them.”

Cherokee’s girls basketball team is 23-2 this season and defeated Bradford Prep 83-28 in the first round of the NCHSAA 1A state playoffs on Tuesday night. The Braves are the reigning 1A state champions.

As the 2-seed in the 1A West, Cherokee will host Carver in the second round of the playoffs on Friday night.