Black Knights dominate Rosman for second win
Robbinsville – A strong, second-half defense was only one key to the Black Knights’ success Tuesday night.
Robbinsville (2-16, 1-9) found a bright spot in a tough season on its home court, scoring the most points in a single game this year – while also rinsing the bad taste of a 53-50 road loss Jan. 7 at Rosman out of its mouth – by drubbing the Tigers, 75-41.
“We absolutely needed this, no question,” said Knights head coach Jake Beasley. “I told them before the game, ‘I know it (the season) hasn’t went the way we wanted, but some of you are running out of time. Let’s have fun and enjoy it.’”
And enjoy it, they did.
Robbinsville scored 20 points in both the first and fourth quarters, even building a 36-26 halftime advantage. The Knights connected for eight shots from beyond the arc, as the second-half of the game evolved into an “anything you can do, I can do better” format.
When all was said and done, Hunter Brooks emerged as the top scorer for the Knights, posting 15 on the night. Others adding to the fun were Court Carpenter 9, Nathan Collins 9, Seth Lawson 8, Landyn Hall 7, Jeb Shuler 7, Clayson Lane 6, Dalton Capps 3, Brock Adams 3, Bryce Teesateskie 3, Carson Eller 3 and Drey Keener 2.
“I think they were really relaxed and ready-to-play, when the game started,” Beasley added. “This was the most fun they’ve had all year.”
Earlier in the week, the Knights dropped a 68-60, see-saw affair to Andrews (17-3, 8-2) Jan. 30 and a 65-56 road game to Hiwassee Dam (7-12) Friday.
Robbinsville built a 7-6 lead midway through the first quarter of the Andrews battle, but the Wildcats had edged ahead 16-11 by the end of the period. The Knights cut the deficit down to 18-14 in the second, but Andrews kept pace and led 33-25 at halftime.
Despite a great game off the bench by Keener, Robbinsville was unable to get any closer than seven points away from tying the game for the duration.
Keener dropped 21 points in the loss, while also posting nine rebounds. Also scoring for the Knights were Collins 11, Hall 7, Lawson 7, Lane 6, Adams 4 and Chris Wright 4.
Robbinsville led 28-24 at the break of the Hiwassee Dam contest, but an 18-10 third quarter favored the Eagles and the Knights were unable to rally in the fourth.
Collins led the offense with 14 points at Hiwassee Dam. Others to post points were Lawson 12, Keener 8, Adams 5, Brooks 5, Carpenter 3, Eller 3, Hall 2 and Wright 2.
Junior varsity
Robbinsville split its junior varsity slate, with the Knights (8-6) falling to Andrews 56-44, but toppling Hiwassee Dam 54-36.
The loss to the Wildcats featured Isaac Wiggins amassing a team-high 16 points for Robbinsville. Also scoring for the Knights were Dasan Gross 12, Kamdyn Jordan 11, Eddie Brooms 4 and Carlos Wesley 1.
One night removed from recording 13 rebounds, Brooms exploded for a Knights-best 18 points at Hiwassee Dam.
Adding to the victory was Jordan 14, Gross 9, Wesley 7, Wiggins 5 and Bo Rattler 1.