Cherokee Chronicle Times

Braves open season with 74-64 win over SC West



CHEROKEE – It’s early and there’s lots of work to be done.

  But, if team hustle, unselfish play and determination equate to success, look for this Cherokee girls basketball team to get their share.

  The Braves christened the 2022-23 season at home on Tuesday, putting together a stalwart second half on the way to a 74-64 win over a scrappy and physical Sioux City West squad.

  The Braves got strong offensive performances from Kenna Mongan, Harper Benson and Kadyn Volkert, while Carly Furhman and Taylor Christensen were impressive defensively.

  Cherokee managed a slim 35-31 lead at halftime, but then the defense showed up while the offense outscored West 24-16 to take a 59-47 lead into the final eight minutes.

  “We made some adjustments at halftime on our defense and got more pressure on their three point shooters, who were hitting the three pretty consistently,” said Brandon Slaughter, Cherokee head coach. “Also, I thought we played faster in the second half and wore them down.”

  The Braves featured three players in double figures led by Benson with 24, Mongan 21 and freshman Volkert with 17, accounting for 62 of Cherokee’s 74 points.

  Fuhrman, who played determined defense throughout, also aided the Braves’ offense with seven key points, while another top defender, Christensen, chipped in five valuable points.

  Benson, who typically plays a wing on offense, was moved inside to an unfamiliar post position. “We moved Harper inside because she’s athletic and physical and can get us some rebounds,” said Slaughter. “I was hesitant to do it because she’s such a good three-point shooter, but it worked.”

  Benson led the Braves on the boards with nine, while picking off four steals and hitting 12 of 16 free throws, going 6-12 from the field and 0-2 from three. Mongan had six rebounds and led the squad in assists with seven, while going four of nine from three and seven of 16 from the field.

  Volkert hit six of 12 field goals and swished three of seven three-pointers, adding valuable and much needed scoring punch to Cherokee’s offense. “We knew Kadyn could shoot and tonight she showed her ability to hit the outside shot. Kadyn’s ability to score makes us much harder to defend,” said Slaughter.

  There were times when the fast paced Braves looked sharp, but still some ill advised, poor angle passes helped keep West in the hunt.

  Cherokee continues its campaign at home on Tuesday in a coed doubleheader against Emmetsburg. “We know Emmetsburg will play us tough, they always do,” said Slaughter. “If folks want to see some fast paced basketball, they ought to come out next Tuesday and see these kids play. We make some silly mistakes, but we’re young and getting better. We’ll always work hard.”

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