I am not sure there is a team that plays harder than the Cherokee Braves. They are three-time state champion in 2A and each year they seem to get even better. They were led in scoring this year by Maddie Rogers. She was voted WNC Player of the Year by the Asheville Citizen Times. She hit her 1k point milestone in the regional playoffs and she was named MVP of the state championship game. All of this combined garnered her a place on the All State Third Team. Congrats Maddie!

The annual trek to Wake Forest to support its girls basketball team at state has become a new tradition for the Cherokee tribal community. They once again had plenty to cheer for at The Joel as Rogers paved the way to a third consecutive state championship for the Braves. Rogers led the way with 25 points in the more than 26 minutes she was on the court. She also came away with Kay Yow Most Valuable Player recognition. Rogers tallied 18 points in the first quarter alone – including four 3-pointers in the first eight minutes. She scored more points in the first eight minutes than its adversaries from Pamlico County tallied for the game. 

Madison Rogers Madison Rogers 5'7" | SG Cherokee | 2027 State NC was aggressive running the floor catching the pass in transition and scoring two.  She showed her range scoring three from deep and was absolutely on fire to start the game hitting four in a row before the first quarter was over.  Her defense was fun to watch, too, as she set up at the top of the press coming away with deflections and steals.

Madison Rogers Madison Rogers 5'7" | SG Cherokee | 2027 State NC was excellent on defense going after loose possessions and pushing the tempo the other direction.  She grabbed a steal and had an excellent take to the other rim making the dish to her teammate for two points.  Her aggressiveness was consistent throughout the game being a tough on ball defender, too, picking the pocket of her opponents.  

Madison Rogers Madison Rogers 5'7" | SG Cherokee | 2027 State NC is a true full court threat getting in the way of the pass, deflecting the ball away from guards trying to dribble by her, and using her quickness to move laterally keeping her opponents in front of her.  She’s a multi-level threat on offense, too, being able to knock down shots from all over the court being aggressive and using her moves to create some space.  She’s always moving on the court making sure she can get into the opening for the pass.

A true scorer that is shooting the ball at almost 60% from field goals and averaging 16 points per game. Collects a lot of her points from steals off the top of the press that lead to easy baskets. She also does a good job of attacking aggressively which earns her a spot at the free throw line often where she coverts often. Nice jumper and solid all-around game.

Madi plays with a high level of controlled aggression combined with good decision making. She always makes plays on defense in Cherokee’s full court press, especially on the ball using her length and quick feet. She got multiple steals and converted them to easy lay ups during the tournament. She got several deflections and jumped in the passing lane to pick the ball of as well. Rogers shot the ball well from three-point range and made mid-range jump shots. In the halfcourt Rogers was able to get the rim often either scoring or converting her shots from the free throw line. Rogers Madi was one of the top performing wing players at the tournament.

Madison Rogers Madison Rogers 5'7" | SG Cherokee | 2027 State NC is another two-way player turning her defense into offense grabbing the steal and exploding up the court making strong finishes at the rim.  She knows when to make the pass or take it all the way herself using some shot fakes to create space.  She can also knock down her shot from around the perimeter finding the opening and being ready to shoot off the pass.

I will continue to label this one as the swiss army knife because that is exactly what she is. She does any and every thing to help her team win. Remember, there is so much that a knife can do. Rogers continues to be effective and efficient at all spots on the floor. She holds offers at the next level for a reason. Whoever lands this one, will get a winner!

Rogers always produces when she is on the court! She does a great job on both sides of the ball. Maddie has a relentless motor with no quit in her! She had countless steals, and rebounds. She put in over 20 points during game one. She knows how to win and she puts this Trotters’ team in position to win close games. I love how fast she turns defense to offense. She’s the swiss army knife that every team needs.