Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHEROKEE, N.C. — Quit is a four-letter word to the Coal Grove Hornets.
Down by nine points after three quarters, the Hornets stormed back in the fourth quarter and beat the host Cherokee Braves 72-66 in the Cherokee Holiday on the Hardwood Classic on Thursday.
The Hornets (5-1) outscored the Braves 24-9 in the fourth quarter to advance to Friday’s championship game at 8:30 p.m.
“Nate Harmon came in the game in the third quarter and gave us so much energy. Our kids just kept battling. They wouldn’t quit,” said Hornets’ coach Kevin Vanderhoof.
Cory Borders had another big game from behind the arc as he hit four 3-pointers and led the Hornets with 16 points. Aaron Music scored 15 points, Sam Angelo got 10, Jeb Jones had nine and Alijah Roman added eight points.
Holden Straugham had a game-high 22 points including five 3-pointers to lead Cherokee (3-2). Sterling Santa Maria scored 16 and Josiah Lossiah got 15.
The game was tied 15-15 at the end of the first quarter.
The Braves managed to pull ahead 37-33 at the half.
Cherokee extended its lead to 57-48 after three quarters.
Cherokee    15    22    20    9    =    66
Coal Grove    15    18    15    24    =    72
CHEROKEE (3-2): Holden Straughan 1 5 5-6 22, Sterling Santa Maria 4 2 2-5 16, Josiah Lossiah 1 2 7-9 15, Tihjah Lossiah 3 0 0-0 6, Isaiah Evans 0 1 0-0 3, Tye Mintz 1 0 0-0 2, Tino Pete 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 21-39 14-20 66. 3-pt goals: 10-17. Rebounds: O-3, D-16 = 19 (Straughan 6. Team rebounds: 7. Turnovers: 17. Fouls: 21. Fouled out: Mintz, J. Lossiah.
COAL GROVE (5-1): Cory Borders 1 4 2-2 16, Aaron Music 3 1 6-10 15, Sam Angelo 3 1 1-1 10, Jeb Jones 3 0 3-3 9, Alijah Roman 0 1 5-6 8, Nate Harmon 3 0 0-2 6, Jordan Case 2 0 1-4 5, Payton Smith 0 1 0-0 3, Jalen McKenzie 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 23-42 18-28 72. 3-pt goals: 8-17. Rebounds: 7-O, 17-D = 24 (Music 4). Team rebounds: 12. Turnovers: 18. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None.