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.

Chelsy Santana (Winston Salem Christian Regional, NC) was crashing the boards and getting her points by the rim.  She has a nice jump shot as well showing her as an offensive threat all over the court.  She was essentially unstoppable with the ball in the paint using power dribbles and spin moves to attack the basket and finish strong at the rim.  She blocked shots easily on defense and used her length to grab steals.

Cortney Smith (Bolles, FL) used her length to grab steals on defense. She had no problem pushing this up the court herself to score some fast break points.  She moves well with the ball drawing opponents to her to find her open teammates underneath the basket.  She crashed the boards even on offense fighting to continue the possession for her team.

Nayo Lear (Example Academy National, IL) is so smooth with the ball driving down to the paint for some points showing off a nice finish at the rim.  She snuck her hands in on defense picking the pocket of her opponents.  She makes effective cuts on the floor even without the ball.  She sees the floor well showing off nice passes, especially up the court in transition.  She drained it from deep as well.

Daniela Gonzalez (Central Pointe National, FL) is a tall presence in the paint using her wingspan to stop her opponents from scoring.  She can handle the ball with speed pushing it up the court, and she had a nice bounce pass up to a cutting teammate resulting in two points for her team.  She can also run the floor waiting for her own pass to score.  She has range, too, draining it from deep.

Juliemar Ruiz (Central Pointe National, FL) didn’t let taller opponents stop her from going after rebounds, and she had nice moves to put the ball back up for some offensive points of her own.  She is sneaky with the ball getting to the basket with ease.  She anticipates passes on defense grabbing steals to push it up the court and score in transition.  She did well seeing the floor finding her open teammates.

Kara Dunn (Mount Paran, GA) is a tough opponent inside the paint.  She can battle against anyone, and she constantly moves around the court finding the open areas.  She was an aggressive defender using her wingspan to cause problems.  She’s persistent going after rebounds.  She was excellent passing the ball up the court to her teammates cutting hard to the basket, and she can even make some nice dishes to her teammates as she pulls defenders towards her.

Kennedy Claybrooks (Bartlett, TN) was a floor general for sure.  She had some nice dimes into her teammates, and she created the openings for them as she penetrated the paint.  She anticipated passes on defense to grab for steals and take the other direction.  Her crossovers and behind the back dribbles made for some nice highlights.

Allyson Sentance (Lincoln Prep, ON) showed off her stroke from deep.  She was aggressive on defense constantly moving her hands and staying right in front of her opponent.  She shot well from behind the arc, and she snuck behind her opponents scoring by the rim.

Jordana Codio (Montverde, FL) made some nice cuts inside getting lost by her defenders.    She kept her opponents right in front of her blocking their shots as they tried to get to the rim.  She had a nice stroke from behind the three point line as well making her a threat all over the court.

Janiah Barker (Montverde, FL) is powerful in the paint using her body to move her defender where she wants them to go.  She’s lethal with her back to the basket, and she doesn’t shy away from contact driving the ball.  She had some nice drives around her opponents finishing strong at the rim.

Ella Boyle (Holy Spirit, GA) was strong driving the ball to the hoop.  Her height makes it difficult for opponents to block her shots.  She runs the floor well crashing the board for some rebounds.  She scores well with her back to the basket turning to face and score her points.

Aniya Hubbard (Hoover, AL) is impressive with how easily she moves with the ball spinning away from her opponents to get to the hoop and scoring through contact.  She continued her hot scoring streak knocking down three pointers.  She hustled after rebounds diving on the floor trying to gain possession.  She had a nice dump off pass to her teammate underneath the basket after driving down the middle of the paint.

Naja Reeves (Holy Innocents Episcopal, GA) has a nice backdoor cut where she gets lost by her defenders.  She uses the same area of the court to sneak in for rebounds and score some offensive putbacks.  She can grab steals and take it the other direction with speed and a nice finish at the rim.

Tahnyjia Purifoy (Pine Forest, FL) is efficient handling the ball.  She has some speedy passes into her teammates posting up.  She showed off her shot from deep, too, and she didn’t hesitate to take it all the way to the hoop.  She was patient waiting for plays to develop in order to find the open teammate.  She picked the pocket of her opponents using these steals for her own points on the other end.

Sydney Shaw (DME National, FL) is speedy with the ball blowing by her opponents, and she is good at making some old fashioned three point plays.  She gets to the hoop finishing at the rim, and she can certainly step back for a three pointer from behind the arc.  She has a nice side step to get away from her defender in order to show off her shot.

Imani Lester (North Raleigh Christian, NC) uses her wingspan to cause deflections on defense and block shots.  She can certainly score by the rim showing off some nice reverse layups to get her points.  Her jump shot was great, especially after using behind the back dribbles to create separation from her opponent.

Nyla Harris (Lake Highland Prep, FL) was a dominant rebounder following shots and making sure she’s the only one who can grab the board.  She did a nice job setting herself up for her own jump shot, and she can certainly shoot well from deep.  She has a nice fingertip roll on her drive to the hoop in the middle of the paint.  Her backdoor cuts were effective getting open for a nice drive to the hoop.

Fatima Diakhate (Montverde, FL) showed her nice post moves scoring some old fashioned three point plays.  She was aggressive going after rebounds.  She did an excellent job sealing off her opponents making sure her teammates had a big target for the pass.  She finished nicely at the rim after a spin move getting her defender lost.

Kiana Wilson (San Jose Prep, FL) had a nice Euro step on a fast break to score two points.  She jumped into passing lanes with her anticipation, and she flew up the court on fast breaks on her own.  She had strong hands jumping in front of her opponents on defense.  She has a nice finish at the rim, especially when driving down the middle of the paint.

Janell Johnson (San Jose Prep, FL) made her opponents pay for leaving her open shooting from deep.  She was aggressive driving the ball to the hoop using floaters in the paint to score.  Her finish at the rim was fun to watch, and she didn’t change up her shot just because contact was coming.

Zoriah Mobley (San Jose Prep, FL) had some nice spin moves in the paint to score her points.  She was aggressive grabbing rebounds, and she battled through contact for her points.  She handles the ball well, too, from the top of the key.  She had a nice defensive stop late in a close game by drawing a charge.

Na’Haviya Paxton (Columbia, FL) drove hard to the basket scoring some points, and she seemed to be everywhere on defense causing problems.  She has a nice floater that she put up in the middle of the paint to cut into the lead of her opponents.  She followed shots going after rebounds, too.

Laila Battle (Campbell, GA) has a nice arc on her deep shots.  Her quick release makes it hard for defenders to stop her.  She does a great job finding her teammates cutting to the basket making sure her passes aren’t intercepted.  She plays nice defense even when guarding post players knowing she has to constantly keep moving around them.

Sarah Taub (Campbell, GA) used her length to jump into passing lanes.  She has a nice drive and goes up high to score her points.  She had some range with her shot, too, shooting from deep.  She was effective at swatting the ball away from her opponents and pushing it up the court.

Jada Douthit (NC GBB, NC) was efficient moving around with the ball getting to the hoop.  She seemed to be right there on her opponent when she was getting a pass thrown to her making it difficult for them to make any kind of move.  She had a nice hesitation move setting herself up for an open lane to the basket.  She made smart passes to her teammates on fast breaks.

Maya Hood (NC GBB, NC) did great driving through contact.  She followed shots to grab the rebound, and she has a quick close out on her opponents.  She anticipated passes on defense knocking the ball away.  She seemed to come out of nowhere at times to grab the steal.  She even showed off some power dribbles to score near the basket.  She scored her 1,000th point at the tournament as well.

Claire Erickson (Westminster Academy, FL) was great driving hard to the basket.  She set herself up nicely for some open three point shots that she drained with ease.  She followed shots grabbing rebounds and extending plays on the offensive side of the ball.  She had some nice cuts without the ball ready to catch and shoot or make another dish to her teammates.

Maddie Millar (Bishop Kenny, FL) showed off some range behind the arc on multiple occasions in the first half even draining a deep three as the half came to a close.  She did well finding the gaps on defense to show off her shot.  On defense, she did well keeping her opponent in front of her blocking the path to the basket.

The girls side to this organization started about five years ago. They’ve been slowly but surely transferring over to more of an elite program over the years. Loyalty, sportsmanship, work ethic, and family are the focal points for this program. Heavy emphasis on the family aspect. The way they approach anything is decided by the family. 

The team dynamic has changed to where the coaching staff is very confident in their teams battling anyone in the nation. They have every piece they need to go to war with teams. In this game, there will always be top dogs, and they want all the smoke. 

Let’s meet the savages from the Carolinas… 

17U 

First up is Ka’Nyah O’Neal (G, 5’10, 2023, Southside HS). When you talk about dynamic scorers, she has to be in the conversation. She led the state of NC in scoring averaging 31.7 ppg, 4th in the nation. Simply put she’s a bucket. For as much damage she can cause on the court, this is the most humble, selfless kid you’ll ever meet. She won’t ever brag about her success, accolades, or any next level stuff. She cares for the family atmosphere, and solely focuses on her development. She strives to be the best she can be. 

Armani Reid (PG, 5’9, 2023, Southwest HS), girls’ basketball player of the year in her conference! Year after year, she progresses to another level. This is an official breakout year for her so be ready. Standing at 5’9, Reid is a do it all point who knows how to get the job done. She averaged 22 ppg, 8rpg, 5spg, 1 bpg. Going into the aau season, she is on the same type of time and will be filling all the stat sheets. It will certainly be a sight to see Reid paired up with O’Neal in the backcourt this summer. 

Shileyia Williams (Post, 6’1, 2023, Rocky Mount HS) is the heartbeat of the Lady Heels Elite! She’s a swiss army knife and her passion for the game makes her one of a kind. She broke a bone in her foot last year, healed 100%, and came back without missing a beat. She believes in “we not me” and thrives to get better any chance she gets. Williams’ athleticism jumps off the page. For example, she’s also a track athlete and competes in every event. She’s a big body post who can hurt you from inside and out. The girls look at her as a leader and she carries herself in that manner. 

Watching Aquarius Pettaway (F, 5’11, 2022, North Pitt HS), reminds people of old school powerhouse basketball. She was a walking double-double in her time at North Pitt. This is a physically dominant post player working towards an opportunity. Every team has that one player who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. She seeks out contact and loves to battle down low in the trenches. Pettway is also in the 1000 point club! 

16U 

Lailana Harris (CG, 5’7, 2025, Perquimans County HS) has natural talent as a young guard. Harris is such a high IQ guard, people are often surprised by her age. Her understanding of the game allows her to be very aware of the best opportunities for the team. She scores at a high clip with top tier confidence. This athlete was the leading scorer on her 21-5 high school team and led them through a successful run in the playoffs. She will be a sight to see this summer and for the years to come. 

Crishya Sellers (Post, 5’9, 2025, Perquimans County HS) is a freakish athlete! It’s something you have to see to understand her numbers. She averaged 11 rebounds per game as a freshman. Sellers is a true heart over height player and welcomes any challenges. As well as Harris, both players are still young but the future is bright. 

Kaitlin White (Wing, 5’9, 2025, Washington HS) is an uber athlete as well. For one of the youngest players in the program, she is the fastest of the bunch. Mixing in her speed, size, and mentality makes her one of the most dominant defensive players in the program. Some players love to score, some love to pass, defense is where she makes her money. White covers all 94 feet and has very active hands averaging about 8 steals per game. This young group will make a lot of noise in the upcoming months. 

Every athlete, parent, coach, etc. has bought into the way they do things and the girls are starting to build a strong camaraderie. The goal is to give the players the opportunity to gain the exposure they deserve. It’s long overdue! With those opportunities, there is no doubt they will get the offers and interest they’re looking for.