Robbinsville wrestlers takeover tournament spotlight
Candler – While others were spending time with loved ones or traveling for the holiday, Robbinsville’s wrestling program was busy plying its craft.
The dedication paid dividends, as you could look anywhere on the results for Nov. 22’s Enka Jet Invitational and spot a Knights representative in the mix.
Of note, the Lady Knights showed they can rise to a challenge by placing second in the girls bracket, recording 47 team points. Madison won the girls championship, posting 72.
Both Koda Stinson (0-4, 132 pounds) and Kyla Jenkins (152, 4-3) finished second in their divisions. Campbell Brooks (165, 2-3), Alexis El-Khouri (138, 2-4) and Andrea Sheets (107, 2-4) all placed third; while Velvet Carver (107, 0-5) and Anna Norris (114, 0-5) wrapped up fourth place.
Robbinsville’s boys claimed fourth in the team race, turning in a solid 144 team points. Hickory Ridge’s 170 points won the event.
Skylar Anderson (106, 8-0), Adair Panama (113, 7-0) and Loxston Hooper (120, 8-0) all conquered their weight classes; Avery Phillips (132, 8-1) and Jeremiah Phillips (165, 4-2) both placed third. Lleyton Hooper (138, 5-4) and Juan Rios (144, 6-4) secured fourth in their field. Others competing for the Black Knights were Ethan Webster (132, 1-2) and Bobby Moore (150, 1-2).
In the JV bracket, Robbinsville posted 18 team points. Austin Bohn (126, 2-1) received a silver medal, while Colby Welch (113, 0-2), Christian Phillips (138, 0-2) and Zander Davis (157, 0-2) also wrestled for the Knights.
Home dual
Robbinsville – Knights faithful at the local level got their first glimpse at this year’s wrestling program Nov. 21, as the Franklin Panthers and the T.C. Roberson Rams visited Graham County for a tri-match.
Robbinsville (3-1) toppled both visitors, scoring a 57-24 win over T.C. Roberson and a 61-18 triumph against Franklin.
Pinfalls in the dual with the Rams were cinched by Avery Phillips, Lletyon Hooper, Bracey Wilson (285), Anderson, Panama and Loxston Hooper. Rios and Alexis Panama (120) each were afforded forfeit victories, while Jeremiah Phillips earned a 9-3 decision and Kyler Branham (175) had his hand raised due to an injury suffered by his opponent.
The Panthers’ chances were harmed by a lack of roster depth, as Lleyton Hooper, Rios, Moore, Wilson, Anderson and Adair Panama recorded six each via forfeit. Alexis Panama, Loxston Hooper and Avery Phillips each pinned their opposition, while Jeremiah Phillips emerged on the right side of a 5-1 decision. Branham scored a majority decision in his bout, 10-1.
Tuesday’s scheduled home dual against Mountain Heritage was cancelled.