It took some last-second heroics, but the middle school Black Knights were able to swat the Yellow Jackets.
After dropping the season opener 46-21 to Hayesville on Nov. 3, Robbinsville (6-2) found itself in a nailbiter in the return showdown Monday. Trailing 41-40, the Black Knights got the ball to shooting guard Brayden Allison, who drove in and sank a lay-up with 6.5 seconds remaining in the game. Hayesville was unable to generate a reply before the final buzzer, allowing Robbinsville to dance along Yellow Jacket Drive.
The win was bolstered by Carsan Snider's long-range shooting, as the Knights' point guard connected on six tries from outside and finished with 24 overall.
Micah York had 10, while Allison recorded six and David Guzman posted two.
Robbinsville went off in the final game before Thanksgiving, silencing the Rosman Tigers in a 76-48 home triumph.
Snider had seven 3's in the victory, leading the crowded Black Knights' scoreline with 23. Allison turned in 18 and York dropped 15.
Also scoring for Robbinsville was Zeller Chekelelee and Landon Silvers, 6 each; Elijah Allison and Mason Walkingstick, 3 apiece; and Canyon Gross 2.
Robbinsville's winning streak kicked off with a 54-16 win at Andrews on Nov. 20.
York's 12-point evening led the Knights. Others to score were Snider 8; Brayden Allison and Guzman, 7 each; Elijah Allison 6; Silvers 4; and Hunter Blevins, Jason Blundell, Chekelelee, Gross and Walkingstick, 2 apiece.
Lady Knights
Robbinsville (3-5) won its lone girls game of the recent stretch by defeating Rosman, 48-27.
The effort was led by Natalie Swimmer's 18-point showing. McKynlee Adams hit 16, while Kamry Rogers scored 10. A pair of baskets from Mercy Nelms and Lakin Orr rounded out the victory.
The Lady Knights led Hayesville 13-11 at halftime Monday, but only generated three points in the second half to falter in a 46-16 loss.
Adams had seven to lead the offense, with Swimmer close behind at six points. Orr scored two and Rogers made a foul shot.
Robbinsville also coughed up an early 8-6 lead at Andrews by going scoreless in the second quarter, which built to a 48-30 defeat at the hands of the Lady Wildcats.
Adams recorded 12 points to emerge as the Knights' high scorer. Also scoring was Swimmer 8; Emily Jones 5; Orr 4; and Alicia Garcia 1.
Robbinsville hosts Swain County at 4 p.m., today. Home games are held at Robbinsville Elementary School.