Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several conferences to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each.
1A Big Smoky
Cherokee
Swain County
Murphy
Robbinsville
Andrews
Hayesville
When you talk about this conference last year, this one was up for grabs for much of the season with teams battling it out. Cherokee and Swain County both finished 7-3, Murphy sat at 9-5, Robbinsville wasn’t far behind at 6’4, and Andrews finished at 5-5.
Andrews
Even though they finished 5-5 in conference play, the Wildcats still return some firepower from last year though they will have to replace their do-it-all senior in 2024 Cameron Rattler (17.4ppg, 10.7rpg). But 2025 Ty Clark looks to help lead the charge along with 2025 Landon Green as well. And we shall see the development in 2027 Gabe Clark who had a strong freshman season (9.5ppg). They will need to replace the production from Rattler but they have experienced players that could help make some noise.
Cherokee
The Braves would be a team I would keep an eye on. Finishing strong last year at 7-3, this is a team that returns plenty of firepower based off the stats from last year. 2026 Jack Teesateskie led the way last year at 17.3ppg but he has now transferred to Franklin. Cherokee will now need others to step up and they will have several seniors in 2025 Elijah Lineberry, 2025 Luke Smith, and 2025 Savion Davis, all of which averaged 8.0ppg or more last season to step up this upcoming season.
Murphy / Hayesville / Swain County
Hayesville struggled when it came to conference play, but they hope to turn things around and secure some victories this upcoming season. Murphy has a bit of question marks around them after they lost four seniors that led the way in scoring, nearly all of which averaged double figures. The Maroon Devils of Swain County had a good showing last year but was an experienced team made up of several seniors, as they look to replace the production as well.
Robbinsville
The Black Knights would be another team I would keep a strong eye on. This was a team that was made up of several juniors and sophomores, and they look to return a strong group once again. 2025 Roman Jones, 2026 Dane Knott, 2025 Darion Ledbetter, and 2025 Bryce Adams all return as this is a team that hopes to build off a 16-8 overall record.