Written by Chandler Nernes

Murphy, NC- The Cherokee Braves would make the 70 minute drive from Cherokee Central High into Murphy to take on the Bulldogs in the final game of the regular season for both teams. This Tuesday night matchup would be a big one in deciding who’s seeded where for the conference tournament, as a win for Murphy could see them rise to first place in the SMC if Swain County can upset the Black Knights in the Ville. Or an upset by both the Maroon Devils and the Braves could see the Maroon Devils rise to second in the conference. But regardless of seeding, tonight we’re focused on seeing two teams trying to end their regular season on a win, and only one will be able to do that. And after the ball was thrown in the air for tip-off this game was underway. 

Cherokee won the tip. But, however, tossed it to the wrong person. As Cole Laney caught the ball and threw it straight to his twin Ty, which caused Cherokee to foul not even 5 seconds into this contest which set the tone for the rest of the night. After a turnover by the Bulldogs, the Braves came down the court and put the first points on the board in this competition from deep. But Murphy responded quickly with 3 of their own from shooting guard Cole Laney. Two players stood out on each team early in the first quarter, Dillian Brown and Jack Teestateskie. Both players played big roles in tonight’s game. Jack Jack led Cherokee with 25 points, whilst Dillian put up 12 points of his own. But later in the first Cherokee woke up the sleeping giant that was 6 foot 6 inch Dominick Rummler, who relentlessly blocked and rebounded any shots within 5 feet of the basket the rest of the night. On top of which he scored at will against any opposing player that was “Brave” enough to guard him. At the end of the first, Cherokee was working toward climbing back up a 4 point hole they had dug themselves into. 

17-13

After the Braves broke their huddle, they fixed their paint error. As they decided; if we can’t drive into the paint, we’ll just shoot it from deep. Which is what they did, as Lineberry, Michael Driver and Jack Jack all had 3’s this quarter. However… doggy see, doggy do. And Dillian Brown and Cole Laney did. As they both put their own threes up and some more to stay up in the second, but the Braves weren’t going down that easy. And when Elijah Lineberry drained a shot from deep mid-way through the second, the Braves were looking up as they took the lead back for the first time since the opening minutes of the game. But it would seem Cole Laney doesn’t like Cherokee having leads however, and he would run right back down the court and fire another green from deep to put Murphy back up for the third lead change in tonight’s matchup. A lead that the Bulldogs would grow on, going into the break up nine with the momentum in their favor.

41-32

Toward the end of the first half, the Dogs had shown excellent defense, especially in the paint. While also being able to convert on offense when it was necessary. It felt like Murphy had the momentum throughout this entire game, even though every time the Dogs scored the Braves seemed to match the same energy. Might I add the Doghouse is always a hard place to play in, their student section is unmatched in the conference. And the Braves felt this, as they saw themselves down by 16 at some points in the 3rd. But Cherokee wasn’t giving up so easily, and climbed the ladder going into the last quarter only down 5. 

61-56

This conference matchup came down to the wire, and it had already been an intense matchup at this point. As we’d already seen 4 technical fouls, 2 slam downs, many blocks and more. Dominick Rummler dominated on defense in the fourth, having 4 blocks and countless rebounds. While his other big man, Zach Skogen, had 15 in the fourth quarter to help the dogs ice this game. The Braves pulled out everything they could to stay with Murphy in this one and do anything they could to win, pulling shots from everywhere and making them to answer the Dogs continuous scoring. After a long night in the doghouse, a back and forth final quarter of play came to a close. In the end the Braves couldn’t handle the dogs bite and Murphy would leave the house hoisting a 82-77 win and finishing the regular season 2nd place in the Conference.

Cherokee Boys Stats:

Jack Teestateskie – 25 Points

Michael Driver – 19 Points 

Elijah Lineberry – 13 Points

Savian Davis – 13 Points

Mato Grant – 7 Points

Murphy Boys Stats: 

Zach Skogen – 24 Points 

Dominick Rummler – 22 Points 

Dillian Brown – 12 Points 

Cole Laney – 12 Points 

Ty Laney – 10 Points

Hunter Carson – 2 Points