Bryson City – When the Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights completed the program’s first perfect regular season since a stretch of back-to-back, undefeated runs from 2009-11, there was very little fanfare.
The final buzzer sounded, the players went through the post-game congratulatory line, then stoically walked to the locker room. You would think a group of boys ages 12-14 might be overly excited about such a historic accomplishment, right? Yet, even when summoned from the lower level of the Swain County Middle School gym for a quick photo-op, the Knights were only keen on displaying a smile and one other singular sign of emotion: holding a “1” in the air, to indicate their first-place finish in the Smoky Mountain Conference.
As it turns out, the long faces were not because of any sense of disappointment or bad feelings toward the hosts. Instead, Robbinsville knows the job is not done. It’s not time to celebrate just yet; there’s still a tournament championship to be won.
“I am proud of this group of boys and I am blessed to be a part of it,” Robbinsville head coach Jonathan Allison said. “But the postseason begins Saturday; this week’s practices will be intense and fast-paced.”
The Knights’ 56-41 exorcism of the Devils started a bit sluggish. There were flashes of the brilliance that has carried Robbinsville through the dance, no doubt: a speedy, suffocating full-court press; aggressiveness on the glass; and a roster loaded with athleticism.
The formula was on full display right out of the gate after Robbinsville carried a 28-17 lead over Swain into the break. In the blink of an eye, Cameron Allison, Bam Nelms Xamuel Wachacha plucked a combined four steals, which led to Elijah Kirkland making life miserable in the paint with an eight-point flurry on the Devils. Allison’s offense tapered off in favor of defense, which allowed Eli Lambert to step up and drop 10 in the segment as well.
To its credit, Swain County matched Robbinsville point for point in the third, but the deflated Devils only mustered five more in the final seven minutes.
“Heading into this game, I knew for the ones that played for me last year, it had to be in the back of their heads how mentally and physically tough it would be,” coach Allison said. “I would say it was one of the sloppiest games we have had this year. From passing to shot selection, and getting in the right position of the ball.”
Allison led the busy scoreline with 15 points, five steals, three rebounds and an assist. Kirkland’s evening finished with 14 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Lambert mixed in 11 points, four rebounds and an assist.
Others to score were Nelms 8; and both Landen Eddings and Wachacha, 4 each.
The Black Knights also won its regular-season home finale over Hayesville, 51-34.
Allison led the effort with 18 points. Kirkland posted 11 and Wachacha recorded six.
Also scoring was Lambert and Nelms, 5 each; Eddings 4 and Carsan Snider 2.
Playing fully into its hands, Robbinsville is hosting the divisional tournament. Brackets are expected to be finalized by Friday and first-round action tips off at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Lady Knights
Crucial wins over Hayesville and Swain County not only helped Robbinsville finish the regular season 6-6, but provided a lot of optimism for head coach Brittany Snider heading into the tournament.
“This season has had some ups and downs, but I’m extremely proud of these ladies,” Snider said. “The last couple of games they have shown grit and determination.
“These girls have finally realized their potential and are playing great basketball. We will continue working to get better before our first tournament game. It has been my honor and privilege to coach this group of ladies; the sky is the limit for them.”
Not to be outdone, the lassies put on a defensive showcase for the ages Monday at Swain County. Daphne Barlow, Zayleigh Chekeleelee, Zaelyn Phillips and Cassidy Sudderth barely allowed the Lady Devils to penetrate the interior for much of the game; Ella Nelms and Aaliyah Wolfe aided the cause in relief.
The end result was a combined 24 steals, a rushed Swain offense that kept coughing up the ball when it did pass half court and a 40-28 outcome in favor of Robbinsville.
Chekeleelee posted a double-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds, seven steals and two assists. Barlow’s afternoon was comprised of 12 points, four steals and two rebounds, while Phillips recorded nine points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist.
Rounding out the scoreline was Bella Coats’ corner 3, which came in the third quarter.
The victory over Hayesville came to the tune of 43-25.
Chekeleelee and Barlow each deposited 13 points through the net against the Jackets. Phillips had eight, while Wolfe ended the game with four.
Completing the scoring was Sudderth 3 and Coats 2.