Robbinsville girls off to 3-0 start
Highlands – The Lady Knights have won each of their first three games this season by a combined 13 points.
"Close" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, though – a "W" is all that matters.
Robbinsville (3-0) made its 2024-25 debut at Highlands (4-3) on Friday, overcoming a tied 12-12 first quarter to knock off the Lady Highlanders 51-44.
Liz Carpenter paced the Lady Knights offense with a team-best 18 points. Suri Watty posted 15, while Bentley Riggins added 10. Also contributing was Anna Williams 4, Zaelyn Phillips 3 and Abby Wehr 1.
Close calls at home
Robbinsville – Monday's home opener was a see-saw battle, with the Lady Knights ultimately prevailing 61-58 over Smoky Mountain (2-4).
The visiting Lady Mustangs thrived outside early, opening a 12-10 lead in the first quarter off a pair of trey's from both Kieaira Ensley and Braelyn Mulligan. A spirited effort in relief from both Phillips and Riggins helped Robbinsville pull ahead 28-23 by halftime, however. In the fallout of a 46-46 stalemate, the fourth quarter proved to be another nailbiter, but a 10-3 run for Robbinsville to start the fourth proved to put all the momentum in the corner of the home squad.
Watty busted five 3's in the win, emerging as the Knights' score leader with 16 overall. Riggins had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Carpenter mixed in 12 points. Also scoring was Wehr 7; Claire Barlow and Phillips, 6 each; and Williams 1.
Tuesday brought Copper Basin (4-2) to Graham County, with the Lady Cougars bringing a stiff challenge along for the ride. The guests led by six points at the end of both the first and third, leaving Robbinsville with the task of catching up throughout the proceedings to eventually win 52-49.
Watty drained a three with nine seconds left before halftime to give the Lady Knights their first lead of the evening, but consecutive shots by Kendra Deal and Alexis Hyatt from beyond the arc kickstarted the Cougars in the third.
However, Robbinsville continued to claw away and completed its final rally bid with a hard-fought Riggins lay-up at the 1:25 mark of regulation.
Carpenter produced a monster double-double, recording 16 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Watty hit four more from outside to finish with 12 points, while Wehr tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists.
Adding to the win were Barlow and Riggins, 6 apiece; and Phillips 1.
Junior varsity
Robbinsville won its junior varsity debut Monday, knocking off Smoky Mountain 32-21.
Ella McGuire led the Knights with eight points. Others to score were Novie Dutcher 7; Cassidy Sudderth 5; MyKayla McGuire 3; Emery Beasley, Chasity Jones, Phillips and Tiara Welch, 2 each; and Bella Coats 1.