By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The Lady Braves (23-3) proved why they received the #1 seed in the western Section of the 1A state playoffs with a signature win over the Mitchell Lady Mountaineers on Monday, Feb. 24 at the Charles George Arena. Cherokee won big 77-37 behind 23pts by Avery Mintz and 16 by Kendall Toineeta.
Peri Wildcatt (#32) and Taran Swimmer (#34) guard Mitchell’s Kennedi Grindstaff (#44). (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
“We came out kind of flat because we had just played a really emotional game last Friday, but we turned it on when we needed to and ended up winning the game by a large amount,” said head coach Chris Mintz.
In looking ahead, he said there is still a lot of stiff competition, “Nothing’s going to be easy this time.”
Monday’s game did start out a little flat for the Lady Braves and Mitchell even led by a point very early on, but after that it was all Cherokee. The Lady Braves ended up leading 25-6 after the first period and 44-14 at the half.
Avery Mintz (#22) drives past Mitchell’s Jacque Wiseman (#24). Mintz led Cherokee with 23pts on the night.
Every player on the Cherokee roster got playing time in this game which will help going down the stretch as players coming off the bench frequently make much-needed contributions during playoff time.
The Lady Braves got a whopping 18 steals in this game with Mintz having 5 and Toineeta and LeLe Lossiah each having 4.
Other Cherokee scorers included: Kendra Panther 3, LeLe Lossiah 9, Bree Stamper 3, Miranda Smith 1, Brionna Jumper 7, Kayla Pheasant 2, Peri Wildcatt 9, and Taran Swimmer 4.
Mitchell’s scorers included: Katie Parkins 2, Tayler Duncan 3, Whitney Tipton 2, Monique Anderson 3, Jacque Wiseman 6, Breanna Jackson 3, Sarah Robinson 11, Kennedy Atwood 2, and Kennedi Grindstaff 5.
Cherokee hosts #9 seed Robbinsville for the 2nd round on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6pm.
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