Opening flurry propels Cherokee past Polk County

Cherokee built a 20-6 first-quarter lead and never looked back in a 68-53 victory over Polk County on Tuesday at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center at Western Carolina University.

The Braves (5-3) led 33-17 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half in the final game of the Catamount Clash, a two-day event featuring teams from throughout Western North Carolina.

Samuel Hernandez led Cherokee with 19 points.

Khristian Littlejohn and Aaron Jackson each led Polk County (2-7) with 15 points. Ross Dow added five, Chase Stansbury and Nolan Simpson each scored four, Nate Fagan, Blake Anderson and Luke Garrison finished with three apiece and Keyan Simpson added one.

Polk County returns home Dec. 30 to face Patton.