Robbinsville – With the Hayesville Yellow Jackets incurring a stunning 5-2, second-round playoff loss at the hands of Eastern Randolph on Friday, the Smoky Mountain Conference’s postseason-participation wrapped up.
As such, the division announced its 2023 All-Conference team. Robbinsville ended up with three names on the roll: Lathan Buchanan received an Honorable Mention, while both Ethan and Graylen Orr were named to the All-Conference list itself.
One of four Robbinsville seniors, Buchanan took care of first-base duties this year. He batted .297 at the plate, with 19 hits (six were doubles) a home run and 14 RBIs. He only committed three errors at his post, recording 87 putouts in his farewell campaign.
Ethan and Graylen competed all year for the No. 1 role in both batting average and the pitching staff. All told, Ethan batted .339 with 19 hits, two doubles, a home run and 11 RBIs; Graylen finished with a .349 mark, roping 22 hits (seven doubles, one triple), a home run and 17 RBIs.
On the bump, both were called on to start nine games. Ethan logged 10 more innings of work (51 ⅔ to Graylen’s 41 ⅔); but it was Graylen who emerged with a winning record (5-4); Ethan finished the year 2-7. Ethan struck out 67 batters to Graylen’s 51; the latter’s ERA was lower, however (4.54 to Ethan’s 5.69). The cousins will both be returning for their senior campaigns with the Black Knights.
Robbinsville finished the year 7-13 (going 7-7 after an 0-6 start) and was fifth in the conference race with a 4-8 mark.
The Knights have not reached the playoffs since 2011.