Bryson City – Despite missing two starters – including their top scorer and point guard – the Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights displayed a ton of tenacity in their 2024-25 swan song.
Pitted against Murphy (No. 2 seed) in the semifinals of the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament Jan. 29, Robbinsville (No. 3, 8-7) emerged from the first quarter with a slim advantage. But a 10-2 second proved insurmountable for the Lady Knights, as the Bulldogs advanced to the finals by picking up a 47-34 win.
Murphy led 5-2 in the opening stanza, but a spark erupted between Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe and Zachlan Chekelelee. The duo paired up on back-to-back assists and baskets to push the Lady Knights ahead and combined with a 5-for-6 mark from the foul line in the period, Robbinsville was in the driver’s seat at the dawn of the second.
Turnovers began to rear their ugly head shortly after the next quarter commenced and the trailing Bulldogs were all too happy to cash in on the miscues. McKynlee Adams hit a bucket in the segment for Robbinsville’s only extension until the break.
A spirited second-half effort fell short, though the Lady Knights continued to hustle after rebounds and steals until the final buzzer. In the closing seconds, Caislee Lane made a free throw to close out Robbinsville’s year.
“This group of players were amazing to be around,” said Robbinsville head coach Brittany Snider. “It has been amazing watching each of them grow as players, as well as young women. I pray that each of them continue playing the game and remember to ‘leave their mark’ each and every day.”
Wolfe led the Knights with 10 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds. Myah Winfrey finished with seven points and eight rebounds, while both Zachlan Chekelelee and Natalie Swimmer each posted four.
Also scoring was Brooke Cox and Lakin Orr, 3 each; and Adams 2.