JEFF B | Iowa Prep Illustrated, Iowa Grandstand Sports

CHEROKEE — Cherokee ran out to a huge first half lead against OABCIG in a Class 3A Region 8 semifinal on Wednesday, winning the game 63-33.

Cherokee established its biggest lead of the game of 33 points (59-26) with 1:55 remaining in the third quarter.

The victory over OABCIG is the eight consecutive against the Falcons. The only win in the series by OABCIG was January of 2012.

It was a night to remember for senior Kadyn Volkert of Cherokee. Volkert led all scorers with 21 points. She converted 7-of 14 shots, including 4-of-10 on 3-point tries.Volkert also added five rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Two other Braves finished in double-digits. Juniors’ Addy Wolfswinkel tallied 16 points and Deidra Doeden recorded her ninth straight double-double and 18th double-double of the season. Doeden finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

OABCIG (16-6) which struggled to put the ball through the basket finished 12-of-53 (22.6%) from the floor overall. Included in this total was a disasterous 2-of-24 (8.3%) from behind the 3-point arch.

Junior Jenessa Kolar paced the Falcons with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Up Next

Cherokee with the win improves its record to 19-3 overall. The Braves will face Lakes Conference foe Spirit Lake for the third time this 2025-2026 season in the Class 3A regional final at home on Saturday. The two teams have split the previous pair of games, each winning on their home floor.

OABCIG Falcons Record: 16-6 | Cherokee Braves Record: 19-3

Falcons Leading Scorer: Jenessa Kolar 9.
Team Totals: 12-53 (22.6) 2-24 (8.3) 7-19 (36.8)

CHEROKEE
Starters: Kadyn Volkert 21, Addy Wolfswinkel 16, Deidra Doeden 14, Macy Gravenish 2, Jillian Paulsrud 3. Bench: Anna Nixon 5, Nora Hare 2, Bryn Lewis 0, Kenda Smith 0, Ava Kremer 0, Ally Timmerman 0, Mya Benson 0, Avalyn Pruitt 0.
Team Totals: 23-54 (42.6) 7-26 (26.9) 10-19 (52.6)

Rebounds (38) Doeden 13, Paulsrud 7, Wolfswinkel 6, Volkert 5,Gravenish 2, Nixon 1, Hare 1, Smith 1, Kremer 1, Lewis 1.
Assists (16) Wolfswinkel 7, Paulsrud 3, Lewis 3, Volkert 2, Doeden 1.
Steals (10) Wolfswinkel 3, Gravenish 3, Doeden 1, Nixon 1, Volkert 1, Lewis 1.
Blocks (7) Doeden 7.