Robbinsville – One game evolved into a blowout; the other, a nailbiter.
Both ended the same way, however: Robbinsville in the win column.
The 2024-25 middle school basketball season cranked up Monday, with the Black Knights entertaining Swain County. Following a 7-0 start to the girls game, Robbinsville sprinted circles around the Lady Devils and cruised to a 46-9 victory.
The Knights ending was much different, as Swain County surged back from a 12-point lead at the outset of the fourth to trim the deficit down to one. Robbinsville held off the charge to prevail, 47-44.
Leading scorer Peyton Weaver struggled to find consistency from the charity stripe throughout the game, as he was 3-for-8 from the threshold in the fourth. The eighth-grader eventually shored things up, however: posting four in a row to finish the evening 7-of-12.
The last two were crucial and followed a 3-point heave from the Devils, which cut the Black Knights’ nod to 45-44 at the 9-second mark. Weaver extended the lead for Robbinsville and Swain was unable to respond for the final buzzer.
In addition to his team-high 13 points, Weaver ended the game with six rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. Point guard Carsan Snider distributed 10 points, four steals, three rebounds and an assist to the outcome, while Brayden Allison added nine points, five steals, four rebounds and an assist.
Rounding out the scoreline for Robbinsville was Micah York 7, Trever Jenkins 6 and David Guzman 2.
The Lady Knights began their year with Zayleigh Chekeleelee posting 16 points to lead the offense. She also had four steals and two rebounds, while sibling Zachlan Chekeleelee tallied eight points, four rebounds and two steals.
Both Lakin Orr and Aaliyah Wolfe contributed six points each, while McKynlee Adams, Brooke Cox and Ella Nelms all dropped a basket apiece. Hazeleigh Driver and Myah Winfrey had one free throw each, as well.
Robbinsville will return home Thursday, Nov. 14 to face Hiwassee Dam/Ranger. In-between, the Black Knights will travel to Murphy (today) and Smoky Mountain (Tuesday).