Knights’ comeback bid cut off by Mustangs
Robbinsville – It is often stated that the final score does not always tell the whole story.
For the Robbinsville Black Knights, Friday’s 70-64 loss to the Smoky Mountain Mustangs contains many layers – namely, a 32-point fourth quarter, after trailing 34-20 at halftime.
“We’ve always had a lot of effort. (Head) Coach (Jake Beasley) has never had to worry about us not giving it all we’ve got,” said senior Kamdyn Jordan. “We started going after the loose balls and 50/50 balls and we really came together as a team.
“When the fans are in it, we go all in it, too.”
The Mustangs (1-2) raced away with the advantage early and outworked Robbinsville (1-2, 0-1) inside during the first half. But the break reinvigorated the Knights, who charged back and cut the deficit immensely in the fourth.
Robbinsville got hot outside, draining four 3’s – including three by Xander Wachacha, with his last one pulling the Knights to within four, and a minute to go.
But with Smoky Mountain holding all the cards, the Mustangs were able to drive down and score a bucket, before drawing a pair of fouls under 30 seconds. The free throws were able to keep Robbinsville out of reach, but barely.
Wachacha led the Knights with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kamdyn Jordan had 15 points, five rebounds and two steals, with Brock Adams, Bryce Adams and Bo Rattler dropping seven each.
Also scoring was Eddie Brooms 6 and Dasan Gross 2.
Early lead dissipates
Bryson City – Robbinsville outperformed Swain County in the first quarter of Tuesday’s conference opener, 20-19.
From there, the Devils got in the drivers seat.
Though Wachacha knotted the battle at 34-34 with less than a minute left in the second, Swain went on a quick 7-0 run to finish the half, punctuated by a Carter Kirkland 3-pointer at the buzzer. And even though the Knights’ tenacity was on full display down the stretch, it was not enough to overcome the Maroon Devils (5-1, 1-0) in an 81-67 loss.
“Our football legs are starting to become basketball legs; they’re getting in the groove,” Jordan said. “We’ve not even been able to have a full week of practice (all together) yet. I feel like we’re taking a big step forward after this game.”
Wachacha’s 22-point game sat atop the Robbinsville scoreline, with the sophomore mixing in five rebounds, three steals and three assists. Brooms compiled 17 points, three rebounds, one block and one steal, with Brock Adams adding 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Other Knights contributing to the final outcome were Jordan 8, Bryce Adams 6 and Donovan Carpenter 2.
Junior varsity
With only seven players dressing out for Friday’s season opener against Smoky Mountain, Robbinsville (0-2) was left with a mere three players to finish the affair and still showed tremendous effort, but ultimately fell 41-22.
Hugh Forbes led Robbinsville with 12 points and five rebounds. Nathaniel Shope had four points and nine rebounds, with Quinn Jumper recording three points, four steals and two rebounds. Logan Galloway also had a basket in the game, with Austin Crisp posting a foul shot.
Robbinsville could not get out of first gear against the Maroon Devils, failing to score until the second quarter and eventually dropping a 51-15 game.
Recording points for the Knights were Isaiah Brown 8, Tanner Hedden 4, Jumper 2 and Galloway 1.