Braves Blaze to Season-High, Signal Playoff Intent with Commanding Win

January 11, 2026 | Cheraw, SC — The Cheraw Braves girls' basketball team delivered a statement victory on Friday night, setting a new season-high in points and dispatching the visiting Central Eagles with a commanding 59-43 win. This victory, their second consecutive win, pushes the Braves' record to an even 7-8, signaling a potential turning point for the season. Central, led by a valiant 24-point effort from Jariyah Sowell, continues to struggle, falling to 1-12 on the year.

Photo Credit: Micheal Oliver All Rights Reserved

Photo Credit: Micheal Oliver All Rights Reserved

Key Performers and the Braves' Winning Formula

The victory was fueled by standout individual efforts that showcased the team's diverse strengths.

· Anyah Banks was the engine for Cheraw, dominating on both ends with a stat line of 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals. Her defensive intensity has become a reliable barometer for success.

· Providing crucial support was Jamya Brown, whose eight points were secondary to her disruptive presence on defense, where she racked up five steals and converted several into easy transition buckets.

· The heart and poise of the team often flows through eighth-grade point guard Andrea Gaston. Her command of the offense and calm under pressure belies her youth, setting the tone for her more experienced teammates.

· In the paint, the tag-team of senior Ainesleigh Gilbert and sophomore Zainab Fall provides a formidable defensive backbone. Their communication, shot-blocking, and physicality make scoring in the post a difficult task for opponents.

· Rounding out the core is Joscehanna Marshall, whose mature, all-around play and high basketball IQ allow her to impact the game in subtle but critical ways, whether through a timely assist or a key defensive stop.

Team Context and Playoff Outlook

At 7-8, the Braves are positioned in the middle of the AA Region 4 pack. The team's trajectory, however, is pointing upward. The two-game win streak and the emergence of a clear identity, spearheaded by Banks' scoring, a pesky defense led by Brown, and a solidified interior, suggest they are peaking at the right time. For Cheraw to make a deep playoff run, consistency will be key. Continuing to win region games and protecting their home court are essential steps. The blend of veteran leadership (Gilbert, Banks) with promising youth (Gaston, Fall, Marshall) gives them a foundation that can be difficult to prepare for in a single-elimination postseason scenario.

What's Next

The Braves will look to extend their winning streak and improve their regional standing when they host familiar foe Chesterfield on Tuesday, January 13th. Central will aim to break its losing skid on the same night against rival Buford.