Copperhill, Tenn. – If Monday's season opener is any indication of what lies ahead, the Robbinsville Black Knights are going to be a team to watch at a statewide level this season.
Dazzling with speed, finesse, size and athleticism, Robbinsville dumped 45 first-half points on Copper Basin (0-5) in its 2025-26 premiere, while limiting the hosts to just 19 before the break and cruising to a 66-42 win across state lines.
The only blemish in the performance came at the outset of the fourth quarter. Ahead 61-30, Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley plugged in several reserves – which provided the Cougars a chance for a 12-0 outburst that Robbinsville finally shook down the stretch.
Senior wingman Dane Knott warmed up quickly beyond the arc, dropping six from outside and finishing the game with a Robbinsville-best 23 points. Knott also had six rebounds, five steals and a pair of assists.
Newcomer Luis Rosado narrowly missed a triple-double in his Black Knights debut, as he delivered 13 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and two steals.
Another fresh face for Robbinsville was Kristian Bauzo, who posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two rebounds.
Also scoring was Nathan Frederick 6; Bam Nelms 5; Easton Shuler 3; and Elliott Beasley 2.
Drew Crowder led Copper Basin with 18.
Lady Knights
Robbinsville fell behind early in Monday's opener and could not slow down the inside attack of the Lady Cougars, resulting in a 71-49 loss for the Lady Knights.
Zayleigh Chekelelee paced Robbinsville's offense with a 12-point offering in the game. Abby Wehr recorded nine, while Zaelyn Phillips dropped eight.
Other Lady Knights to score were Ella McGuire 6; both Zachlan Chekelelee and Bentley Riggins, 4 each; Aaliyah Wolfe 3; Maleah Cox 2; and Novie Dutcher 1.
Copper Basin was led by Kloie Ballew, who scored 25.