The 2025 Cherokee Invitational concluded four days of elite girls’ basketball, culminating in standout performances across all divisions. With teams converging from multiple states and high-stakes matchups throughout the weekend, the invitational delivered a compelling blend of competitive games and individual excellence.

From divisional title races to historic scoring feats, this year’s tournament showcased both established stars and rising talent. The All-Tournament Teams recognize players whose performances significantly impacted their teams’ success, while special recognition is given to athletes whose scoring totals now rank among the best in Cherokee Invitational history.

Warrior Division

The Warrior Division blended physical play with offensive balance, producing several close games and breakout performances. In a highly competitive division marked by frequent lead changes, Kyndoll English (Grace Christian, NC) earned MVP honors by consistently leading her team with scoring and composure in key moments.

Standout Performers

Kyndoll English — Grace Christian (NC) — 56 points (MVP)

• Ranks 18th All-Time in cumulative points; led Grace Christian with 19 points in the championship game versus Montverde.

Amari Worsham — William Fleming (VA) — 70 points

• Top 5 All-Time in cumulative scoring.

Lyla Thompson — Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD) — 50 points
Makayla Weaver — Holy Innocents (GA) — 49 points
Jayla Forbes — Montverde (FL) — 46 points
Jakaila Gaskins — Cannon School (NC) — 44 points
Jordan Speller — Montverde (FL) — 37 points

Honorable Mentions:
London Smith (Newton, GA) — 37 points and Kennedy Jackson (Grace Christian, NC) — 40 points

Brave Division

The Brave Division featured physical, tightly contested games, with teams demonstrating balance and scoring depth. Madison Rogers (Cherokee, NC) earned MVP honors through strong all-around play and timely scoring in close matchups.

Standout Performers

Madison Rogers — Cherokee (NC) — 48 points (MVP)

• A steady leader on both ends of the floor, consistently guiding her team to the division title.

Andrea Flores — Daniel Boone (TN) — 77 points

• Finished 2nd All-Time in tournament cumulative scoring; recorded the 4th-best single-game performance in tournament history with 31 points versus Cherokee in the championship game.

Rayana Minard — Lake Norman (NC) — 57 points
Audrey Beyer — Tocoi Creek (FL) — 55 points
Saniya Binion — Campbell (GA) — 55 points
Kelsey Rhyne — Lake Norman (NC) — 53 points
Daisee Fourkiller-Raby — Cherokee (NC) — 40 points

Honorable Mentions:
Laney Britton (Daniel Boone, TN) — 45 points, Sydnee Hunter (Creekside, GA) — 45 points, and Braelyn Whitehead (Archer, GA) — 42 points

Honor Division

The Honor Division was defined by record-setting scoring and clutch performances. Carib Morris (South Forsyth, GA) delivered an unforgettable weekend, rewriting the record books with the highest cumulative scoring total in Cherokee Invitational history and two Top-5 single-game performances.

Standout Performers

Carib Morris — South Forsyth (GA) — 87 points (MVP)

• Now the No. 1 All-Time cumulative scorer in event history with 87 points across three games, including 32 points vs. Hickory Ridge and 30 points vs. McDowell.

Michelle Ezumah — Lanier (GA) — 68 points

• Posted the 2nd-best single-game scoring performance in tournament history with 33 points against Weddington, setting a tournament record with 14 made field goals. Ranks 6th All-Time in cumulative scoring.

Khloe Joyner — McDowell (NC) — 59 points
Ma-Kaela Gidney — Hickory Ridge (NC) — 56 points
Kristen Johnson — Hazel Green (AL) — 52 points
Madison Eddings — Hazel Green (AL) — 52 points
Angel Thomas — Luella (GA) — 42 points

Beloved Woman Division

The Beloved Woman Division showcased strong team performances supported by scoring depth. Forsyth Country Day (NC) was led by co-MVPs Gigi Lyons and Lila Kelly, whose consistent production powered the division’s most effective offense.

Standout Performers

Gigi Lyons & Lila Kelly — Forsyth Country Day (NC) — 62 points each (Co-MVPs)

• Balanced scoring contributions tied for 9th All-Time in cumulative tournament scoring.

Sophie Montana — Northwest Guilford (NC) — 51 points
Trinity Grant — Hampton (GA) — 49 points
Braelyn Castille — Thompson (AL) — 41 points
TaNyah Davis — Grissom (AL) — 40 points
Madison Price-Holmes — Andrew Jackson (FL) — 28 points

Collaboration Division

The Collaboration Division emphasized versatility and all-around skill, with several players delivering consistent production. J’Niya Weaver (Winston-Salem Christian National, NC) earned MVP honors for her steady leadership and efficiency.

Standout Performers

J’Niya Weaver — Winston-Salem Christian National (NC) — 38 points (MVP)

• Her leadership and scoring efficiency proved pivotal throughout the division.

Amaya Ross — TPLS (VA) — 58 points
Reagan Buff — Legacy Early College (SC) — 50 points
Syvannah Dawson — S3 Academy (VA) — 49 points
Ginny Anne Dumont — Providence Day School (NC) — 44 points
Jaida McClure — Providence Day School (NC) — 43 points
Faith Bekich — Ambassador Christian (NC) — 39 points
Makayla Bobo — Winston-Salem Christian Regional (NC) — 39 points
Sofia Acuna — Central Pointe (FL)

Several performances from this year’s event now rank among the Top 5 All-Time scoring achievements in Cherokee Invitational history, ensuring the 2025 tournament will be remembered for years to come. For cumulative and single-game detailed tournament statistics, visit the official Cherokee Invitational stats page using the button below.

The 4th Annual Cherokee Invitational College Tournament delivered high-level competition and memorable performances as top collegiate programs went head-to-head at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Featuring matchups between Michigan State, Ole Miss, Old Dominion, and Indiana State, the tournament showcased women’s college basketball talent and provided fans with an exciting two-day event. 

COLLEGE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM & MVP

MVP: Grace VanSlooten – Michigan State 

VanSlooten was Michigan State’s most impactful player despite logging just eight minutes in the opening-game rout of Indiana State. In that contest, she scored 12 points on four field goals and four free throws, adding a steal and a block. In the Championship game versus Ole Miss, she delivered a dominant performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, leading the Spartans to the tournament title. 

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM 

En’Dya Buford – Old Dominion 

Buford was Old Dominion’s most consistent scorer and primary offensive threat, particularly in the opening-round matchup against Ole Miss. She scored 20 points against the Rebels on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance. Over two games, she shot an impressive 14-of-18 from the floor, making her the tournament’s most accurate scorer. She complemented her scoring with five assists and four steals, finishing as the leading scorer of the 2025 Cherokee Invitational and ranking third All-Time in tournament history. 

Christeen Iwuala – Ole Miss 

Iwuala delivered a strong performance for Ole Miss, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds against Old Dominion to help secure a first-round victory. She finished the tournament with 31 points and 17 rebounds, placing her among the Top 10 All-Time performers in Cherokee Invitational history in both categories. 

Cotie McMahon – Ole Miss

McMahon was Ole Miss’s only player to score in double figures in both tournament games, finishing with a combined 32 points. She was also the Rebels’ lone double-digit scorer in the Championship game versus Michigan State, contributing 13 points. 

Kayla Smith – Indiana State 

Smith totaled 25 points across the tournament, highlighted by a 16-point performance against Old Dominion. She ranks among the All-Time Cherokee Invitational leaders in points (Top 30), rebounds (Top 25), and finished tied for third All-Time in made three-pointers. 

Isaline Alexander – Michigan State 

Alexander posted two consistent scoring performances, scoring 15 points against Indiana State and 14 against Ole Miss. She finished Top 15 All-Time in scoring and delivered a Top 5 All-Time shooting performance, going 12-for-18 from the field over two games. She also ranked Top 20 All-Time in rebounding. 

Kennedy Blair – Michigan State 

In just 19 minutes against Indiana State, Blair put together a remarkable stat line, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor while collecting 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. She followed that performance with seven points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the Championship game, placing her in the Top 10 All-Time in field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, and steals. 

For cumulative and single-game detailed tournament statistics, visit the official Cherokee Invitational stats page: 

This year’s tournament will be produced by DNA Studios, who will be on-site capturing high-quality coverage, replays, and event content throughout the weekend. Their team will work closely with Insider Exposure to ensure athletes, coaches, and families receive the best possible media experience.

In addition, we are pleased to confirm our streaming option available for teams, families, and coaches who are unable to attend in person. The official streaming platform is Women’s Sports Network at https://watch.plex.tv/live-tv/channel/womens-sports-network.

Meet Our Announcers

Jennifer George is a former University of Florida women’s basketball player who has transitioned her passion for the game into a career behind the mic. As the founder of Girls Basketball Worldwide and an experienced Radio/Color Analyst, she brings expert insight, high-level knowledge, and a deep love for the sport to every broadcast.

Shawn Crowe is a proud member of the Cherokee Tribe with more than 30 years of experience announcing, including work with the NBA and MMA. Shawn brings a professional, high-energy presence that elevates every tournament he covers.

We kindly ask all participating college programs to upload the official streaming link we’ve provided to your team website and share our press release across your platforms. This helps ensure fans, families, and supporters have clear access to the broadcast and stay informed throughout the event.

We’re proud to expand our media presence this year and look forward to delivering an elevated experience for players, families, and coaches nationwide!

Christiana Young (Winston Salem Christian Regional, NC) had some nice moves being patient to drive the ball, and she knew how to get an uncontested layup creating space between her and her opponent.  She had a perfect long bounce pass up the court to her teammate filling in the lanes in transition.  She had strong hands on defense causing deflections making it difficult for her opponents to get around her.  She can even facilitate offenses drawing opponents to her to get her teammates open, but she made sure to hit the game winner herself.

Brecken Snotherly (Winston Salem Christian Regional, NC) is the loudest player on the court constantly talking on defense making sure her teammates know how she can help them away from the ball.  She’s a tough ball handler using her body and moves to protect the possession.  She ran the floor well knowing when to fill in lanes or follow shots for some offensive rebounds that turned into points for her.  She tucked in the ball like a running back at times on her way to the hoop.

Olivia Davis (Cardinal Mooney, FL) was all over the court diving for loose balls and running on solo fast breaks beating everyone trying to catch her.  She didn’t shy away from contact underneath the basket and finished through the tough defense.  She had a nice release as soon as her teammate got the rebound making cuts up the court.

Nevaeh Scott (Bartlett, TN) was knocking down shots from deep showing off her range.  She was making sure her opponents didn’t think they could run away with the game.  She even showed off a nice power dribble underneath the basket to score two points after grabbing the offensive rebound.

Teniesha Clarke (Niagara Prep, ON) weaves in and out with ease from her opponents.  She battles through contact for her points, especially when moving quickly on fast breaks.  On defense, she kept her head on a swivel playing down low making sure she was always ready to jump into passing lanes or block shots for her team.  She had a nice stroke from behind the three point line.

Chloe Kitts (DME National, FL) works well as a guard and has the height to dominate in the paint.  She moves her body well to finish at the rim no matter what kind of contact is waiting for her, and she runs the floor well scoring in transition.  Her flashes in the paint make the defense shift creating problems where she can easily find her open teammates.

Mallory Collier (Bartlett, TN) showed off her post moves in the paint, and she did well scoring off of offensive rebounds.  She was moving on offense finding the openings and shifting the defense to get a play going.  She was aggressive on defense constantly shifting to get around her opponent.

Madison Mims (North Raleigh Christian, NC) is a great ball handler bursting with speed to take steals the other direction.  She does a great job finding her open teammates underneath the basket for two points.  She drives hard to the basket to make some nice dishes to her teammates for their jump shots.  She can certainly set herself up for her own jump shot, too.  She even blocked shots on the defensive end.

Kristen McMillan (Hoover, AL) was instrumental in leading the comeback in the first half against Palm Bay Magnet School.  She was grabbing steals to end her opponents possessions, and she pushed it up the court.  Her crashing the boards allowed her to score some nice putbacks.  She drained a nice three pointer increasing the lead for her team.

Reniya Kelly (Hoover, AL) handled the ball well and showed off her three point shooting ability scoring three from deep just in the second quarter.  She was determined to gain the lead for her team and never look back.  Her ball handling is certainly going to be fun to watch at the next level.

Mjracle Sheppard (Montverde, FL) is lightning quick jumping into passing lanes and scoring some points.  She had back to back fast breaks by herself even getting the offensive board for a putback on one of them.  Her hands were causing problems for her opponents on defense knocking the ball away.

Maya Robinson (NC GBB, NC) runs the floor well knowing how to fill in the lanes in order to catch a pass and score her points.  She makes strong cuts from the top of the key ready to turn and shoot.  She’s persistent when it comes to grabbing offensive rebounds.  She scored a nice floater when driving along the baseline.

Marypaz Martinez (Central Pointe Regional, FL) drove hard to the basket scoring some old fashioned three point plays.  She has a quick release on her shot making it hard for defenses to shift to her in time.  She followed shots well grabbing rebounds to take the other direction.