Hayesville – As expected, Robbinsville Middle School’s strong regular-season campaign cultivated high championship tournament seeding.
The Black Knights (13-2) grabbed the No. 1 East seed, while the Lady Knights (10-5) were awarded the No. 2 East seed.
Black Knights
In the tournament opener Saturday, Robbinsville knocked off Andrews (No. 4 West seed) in a nailbiter, 57-54.
Donovan Carpenter (23 points) barely edged Xander Wachacha (22) for the team lead in points scored against the Wildcats. Adding to the scoreline was Brock Adams 6, Roman Jones 4 and Tytan Teesateskie 3.
Monday paired the Black Knights with the No. 2 West seed, Hayesville. Robbinsville maintained control for the duration, eventually picking up a 51-41 triumph.
This time, Wachacha (23 points) surpassed Carpenter (21) for most points scored against the Jackets. Also scoring for Robbinsville was Adams 6 and Teesateskie 1.
Robbinsville meets the No. 3 West-seeded Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles in the title game today at 6:15 p.m. in Hayesville.
Lady Knights
Robbinsville’s first-round draw in the girls bracket were the No. 3 West seed, the Murphy Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Knights dispelled of the opposition to the tune of a 41-29 victory.
Zoie Shuler’s 15-point game led the effort. Also scoring for Robbinsville was Claire Barlow 11, Jozlyn Garland 4, Aubrie Wachacha 4, Karlee Stewart 3, Noelle Orr 2, Liz Carpenter 1 and Olivia Stewart 1.
In the semifinal game against Hayesville (No. 1 West seed), Robbinsville fell behind early and was plagued by offensive struggles throughout the contest. The Lady Knights would see their season come to an abrupt end, as the Lady Jackets prevailed, 43-36.
Barlow’s 15-point game was the top among Robbinsville shooters. Also scoring was Carpenter 7, Shuler 6, Garland 3, Memory Frapp 2, Wachacha 2 and Stewart 1.