State of the Program ... Cherokee (GA)
Cherokee (GA)
Head Coach: Nathan Oertley (entering 2nd season)
Staff: Darryl Jones, Lee Hands, Nick Watson, Mark Knaggs, Justin Montgomery
Cherokee features one of the best 120-126’s in the Southeast in multiple time State Champ Jacob Silka. Silka enters his final season and has to be the favorite to claim a 3rd state title. Cherokee, as a team, lost several hammers to graduation including State Runner-up Kade Johnson and will need to look to some new faces to step up if they are going to battle into the top 15 again in 7A. Cherokee will look to Devin Mays as well as State Qualifiers Braden Iovino and Javon Hobson to help lead the new wave. Keep an eye on Scott Adams and the return of Justus Reis - both could be important in 21-22.
On the girls side - Cherokee features Zoe Parris. Parris, a rising Junior, was 7-1 at the Girls State Tournament last year and finished 3rd at 142 lbs. She should be amongst the favorites to claim a title in 2022.
“Cherokee graduated 7 starters last year, but looking to rebuild and look strong.”