If high school sports represent a sense of community, what community could rival the strength and enduring bond of growing up within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?

The presence of that group was highly visible, occupying approximately 75% of the lower section of Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum during the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A girls basketball championship on Friday.

Additionally showcased: victorious basketball — the Cherokee method.

Cherokee dominated with a final score of 74-32 against East Columbus, securing the school’s second state championship title in 28 years and bringing joy to the thousands of Braves fans in attendance.

Cherokee was so dominant that the running clock started in the third quarter — the Braves were up 40 with 2:27 left in the period.

The Braves dominated early on with a score of 15-3 and maintained a considerable lead of 36-18 at halftime. The Gators trailed throughout and were unable to take the lead at any point.

In the first half, Joscelyn Stamper, a 6-foot-2 freshman player for Cherokee, achieved a double-double. However, the key factor in the Braves’ success was their strong defense.

The Cherokee team caused numerous turnovers with their aggressive press, not solely relying on it but also applying intense pressure on any Gator player in possession of the ball. In the first half alone, East Columbus gave up 21 turnovers.

The team from the West, Cherokee, has been in three state finals, while the team from the East, East Columbus, was making their first appearance.

Prior to the match, NCHSAA sportsmanship accolades were bestowed upon players from both squads. Rylie Graham of East Columbus and Awee Walkingstick of Cherokee were selected as the recipients for their teams, making them both Native American representatives.

Graham belongs to a different tribal group known as the Waccamaw Siouan.

This tale will be revised.

Final Score: Cherokee defeats East Columbus with a score of 74-32.

Reworded:
The Cherokee team consisted of Cecily Swimmer “Dvdaya” at 17 years old, Joscelyn Stamper also at 17 years old with 14 rebounds, Whitney Rogers with a total of 14 points, Daisee Fourkiller-Raby with 6 points, Kyla Moore and Loshi Ward each with 5 points, Creedon Arch and Aaliyah Rogers with 5 and 2 points respectively, and Tsuli Lossiah also contributing 2 points.

The team from East Columbus had a strong performance, led by Malia J. Graham with 10 points, followed by Destiney Mitchell with 8 points, Malayah Hines with 7 points, and Chynna Patrick also contributing 7 points.

Source: highschoolot.com