Hayesville – It was the fourth time this year that Robbinsville had drawn the Lady Jackets as its opponent.
The Lady Knights made the trek to Clay County on Tuesday to face their conference rival in the first round of the state playoffs. Robbinsville (No. 18 seed, 16-9) had revenge on its mind: Hayesville (No. 15, 21-6) was 3-0 against the Knights this year, which included an overtime win and a semifinal victory in the divisional tournament last week.
And for over three quarters of the game, it appeared Robbinsville had finally discovered the correct attack to conquer the Lady Jackets.
But contests are often won at the foul line – and the Knights simply ran out of responses in the closing seconds, watching as Hayesville celebrated escaping its home court with a 49-45 win.
“I was very proud of our team’s effort tonight,” Robbinsville head coach Lucas Ford said. “We saw some young ladies play with the intensity and effort. They played with a better understanding of situations. We overcame a ton of adversity tonight and to see those things made me incredibly proud of this group.
Robbinsville made sure Hayesville was in the rearview mirror at the end of each segment. The Lady Knights led 15-13 after the first; 25-24 at halftime; and 37-34 at the end of the third.
But the Jackets continued to battle and with 19 seconds to go in regulation, the affair was tied 44-44. Contributions from the charity stripe by Emma Ashe, Brooke Graves and Ava Shook undid all the good will Robbinsville had built for the majority of the game.
Meanwhile, Robbinsville shot 17-of-30 (57 percent) from the foul line. Things began to unravel when one of the Lady Knights’ main guns – Liz Carpenter – was ejected in the third quarter. As the ending drew closer, Claire Barlow and Aubrie Wachacha both fouled out and suddenly, three starters were out for the evening.
When the dust settled, Watty led the Lady Knights with 12 points. Barlow tallied 11, while Wachacha connected for 10. Rounding out the effort was Wehr 6, Riggins 3, Carpenter 2 and Brooms 1.
Senior reflections
Ford is losing a dominant center in Wachacha; a terrific inside option in Memory Frapp; and an athletic guard in Brooms.
He had plenty to say about the departing group.
“It was great getting Delaney back this year,” said Ford. “She had a great season and is fun to coach and be around. A great young lady.
“I wish Memory had played sooner. She was the ultimate teammate, with a lot of great qualities that you want from student-athletes. We love Mem and Delaney, and are forever grateful for them and the impression they have left on me and my two kids, Bella and Rhett.
“How has it already been four years with Aubrie? If only she knew how proud I am of her. One of my favorite all-time players. What great memories. Aubrie was instrumental to our team this year as a leader and a dominant post presence. Her junior season, she stepped up and played huge in our playoff run to the regional finals.
“Bella and Aubrie are besties. Thank you Aubrie, for being so good to a little redheaded girl that thinks the world of you.”