Denton – Both times that Robbinsville has won a state dual-team championship, it has occurred in a high school gym.
That's just the way the Black Knights would prefer it, of course: no need for a lot of glitz and glamour.
Robbinsville (No. 1 West seed, 21-9) did what it does best: clock in and take care of business. The Black Knights won the 1A Western Regional title to begin the evening by knocking off Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons 65-10, before swatting the hosting Wildcats 58-24 in the 1A championship match.
South Davidson (No. 1 East seed) never stood a chance, though the dual score was close early thanks to some fortune falling the Cats way. Brayden Lane (190) began the match by winning via forfeit, before Christian Koeller (215) fell in 57 seconds to South Davidson's Cael Dunn.
Eddie Robbins (285) earned a forfeit win for the Wildcats, prior to Trakker Rogers (106) dropping his bout to Kingston McClease at 3:16.
From there, Robbinsville took control.
Devin Burchfield (113), Adair Panama (120) and Ayden Conley (126) pinned their respective opponents Aydan Bassett, Joel Arias and Caleb Parker.
Braydon Hulin got six back for South Davidson by pinning Zander Lucksavage (132), but that was the Wildcats' last whimper.
Loxston Hooper (138) pinned Robbie Hedrick at 1:11, before Devin Hall (144) ran up an 11-1 majority decision over Dalton Gardner to put the match out of reach. Now ahead 34-24, the Black Knights polished off the crown when Lleyton Hooper (150) pinned Daniel Gallegher in 45 seconds; Bobby Moore (157) toppled Elijah Loftlin in just 26 seconds; and Jerimiah Phillips (165) bested George Nilsen by scoring a pinfall at 2:50.
Luke Green (175) ended the dual by getting his hand raised via forfeit.
Sweet present
Spencer – The state-title win came just three days after Robbinsville won the 1A/2A Western Regional Individual Tournament at North Rowan High School.
The Knights crowned five regional champions and qualified 10 overall for the state tournament, which begins today and will continue through Saturday in Greensboro. Robbinsville's efforts led to 226.5 team points, which was leaps and bounds ahead of second place East Wilkes (158).
Panama, Loxston Hooper, Hall, Lleyton Hooper and Koeller each conquered their respective brackets at the two-day showcase.
Conley, Lucksavage, Moore, Phillips and Lane also qualified for the state tournament.
Lady Knights
Mount Pleasant – Robbinsville placed second in the race for the team championship at the 1A-4A Western Regional girls tournament, which was held Feb. 11-12 at Mount Pleasant High School.
The Lady Knights finished with 87 points, falling behind Swain County (107.5).
Robbinsville also qualified three of its grapplers for the state tournament: Alexis El-Khouri (132), Myah Winfrey (145) and Shayla Dominguez (235).
Follow The Graham Star on Facebook – or @KevinHensleyCNI on X – for updates on Robbinsville’s progress through the state tournament.