East traveled to rival high school Cherokee on Tuesday, to take on the Chiefs in a key Olympic Conference American division matchup.

The Cougars came into the matchup with a 10-4 record. The Chiefs posted a similar 9-4 record.

The Cougars got off to a hot start in the 1st quarter, leading 14-7 after the first frame. Cherokee responded by winning the 2nd quarter 13-11, but the Cougars maintained a 25-20 lead going into the break. 

The Cougars extended their lead to 7 early in the 3rd quarter however their lead was cut down to three by the end of the period.

Cherokee continued to chip away at the lead and eventually jumped in front early in the 4th. There were several 4th quarter lead changes and the game came down to who was able to slow the pace down and score baskets in the half court. Both teams run a similar motion offense making it difficult for either team to score. Cherokee was able to get stops down the stretch and iced the game at the free throw line for a 40-38 win.

Chris Delgado (‘26) led the Cougars in scoring with 14 points and four made 3-pointers. Ian Gross (‘23) added 10 points, and Jack Flannery (‘23) added nine points and six rebounds. 

East travels to Kipp Cooper Norcross Academy on Thursday.