Senior point guard clutch at foul line since last season
Robbinsville – Don’t worry; Desta Trammell heard the whispers.
Even though it is superstition in the world of sports to not talk about a streak, Trammell had not forgotten that she carried an improbable run of 59 consecutive free throws made into Nov. 30’s season opener against Smoky Mountain.
And early in the affair, the streak looked like it would not end anytime soon. Trammell drained her first four attempts.
But another trip to the charity stripe in the second quarter resulted in the conclusion of the run. Trammell’s first of the series bounced off the back of the rim and onto the floor, unsuccessful. The streak ended at 63.
Trammell finished the night 10-for-12 on free throws and led Robbinsville (3-0) in assists (7), steals (6) and points (26), as the Knights handed the Lady Mustangs their first loss of the year, 56-42.
“From the get-go, I had a ton of pressure on me when I knew I had gotten fouled and was going to the line,” Trammell said of the opener. “I made four, free throws at the beginning and was feeling pretty good, but I guess I just got too comfortable and lost my focus on my fifth one – which made me miss, considering foul shots consist mainly of focus and confidence.”
Robbinsville sped to an 8-0 lead in the opening segment and did not relinquish the advantage throughout the game. The Knights’ struggled to contain senior center Greenlee Flynn, and shooting guard Becca Corona Smith got into a groove throughout the second and third.
But the Mustangs never threatened within four of the lead. In fact, Smoky Mountain (3-1) was held to a scant six points in the final quarter – four of which came from the foul line. The frustrations of Robbinsville’s dominance boiled over as the game progressed, with the Mustangs ringing up four technicals.
“We are a very disciplined team overall, so I believe that helps in situations when other teams start getting worked up,” said Trammell. “We are able to keep our cool and remain focused on what the task is: winning the game.
“I am very pleased overall with how the game went and considering everyone is open to coaching, I am excited to see the improvements we make every week.”
In addition to Trammell’s 26, freshman Abby Wehr posted eight points for the Lady Knights. Other scorers were Kensley Phillips, 7; Suri Watty, 5; Liz Carpenter and Katie-Lyn Gross, with 4 each; and Fala Welch 2.
Flynn dropped a team-best 14 for Smoky Mountain, while Corona Smith had 11.
Robbinsville also hosted Highlands on Tuesday. The game played out at a methodical pace, but ultimately resulted in a 45-22 win for the Knights.
Highlands (1-3) was shut out in the first quarter, but went on an 8-0 run to start the second.
Robbinsville led 10-0 by the end of the opening segment and continually stayed one step ahead of the Lady Highlanders, thanks largely to speedy defense from Phillips.
All told, Trammell had a 19-point evening, while Phillips posted 13 and Watty had six.
Carpenter’s 4 and Aubrie Wachacha’s 3 rounded out the scoreline.
Hawks clipped
Nantahala – Robbinsville took its potent offense to Macon County on Friday and in the very definition of a team victory, drubbed the hosting Nantahala Hawks, 73-22.
Trammell and Phillips did not post any second-half contributions, but still led the crowded scoreline with respective 16- and 15-point evenings. Both Aubrie Wachacha and Watty dropped 10, while Carpenter and Wehr had six apiece.
Also scoring for the Knights was Anna York, 4; and Gross, Olivia Lewis and Welch, 2 each.
Nantahala was led by Zoey Passmore’s eight points.
Junior varsity
In its only JV action of the week, Robbinsville (0-1) dropped its season opener to Smoky Mountain, 48-16.
Wehr scored seven to pace the Lady Knights’ offense.
Also scoring for Robbinsville was York, 3; Helen Ward, 2; and both Lewis and Kiniah Teesateskie, 1 each.