Riley Cheek came to Central Sallisaw from the K-8 Brushy school system and her 5-11 frame helped make an immediate impact for the Lady Tigers as she played off the bench her first two years before becoming a starter last season when she averaged 10 points and seven rebounds a game. 

“She’s a great person and player and we’ll really rely on her senior leadership this year as we’re very young,” said coach Shane Brown.

Riley has an older brother who played as well as a younger sister, but it is one of her long-time teammates that perhaps has had the most impact on her game.

“Courtney Lee is a year older than me and we grew up together playing at Brushy and here at Central and now she’s at Northeastern State,” said Riley. ‘I’ve always liked her work ethic and her attitude and how she handles herself on the team.”

In addition to basketball, Riley is also part of the Central Youth Coalition or CYC which helps with projects around school, and she has a good handle on being that senior leader that the Lady Tigers need.

“I try to help someone if they don’t know a play or when we’re playing, I try to get the ball to one of the younger players if I can to let them score and boost their confidence. I think a good leader knows that it’s not all about them.”

Although she’s got another year to make some memories, she does have one in mind from last year.

“It was exciting to win the Keifer Tournament last year and in the finals against Kellyville I scored 18 points,” beamed Cheek. “This past summer me and some friends worked extra hard in the weight room and so I think I’ll be stronger in the paint this year.”

Central did well last year until Covid caused a three-week layoff and they finished 12-6. This year the goal is to improve game to game so that by February they’ll be ready for the grind according to Brown. After she’s finished at Central Sallisaw, Riley says she would like to pursue a career in physical therapy.