Robbinsville sweeps opening tilt of campaign
Robbinsville – It might be a few more weeks before the high school Knights begin their latest basketball season, but the next generation of varsity superstars tipped their year off Nov. 3.
The Knights welcomed Hiwassee Dam/Ranger to the newly renovated Robbinsville Elementary School gymnasium for the season opener, after having to play last year’s games inside the high school gymnasium due to safety upgrades to the elementary structure.
Both of Robbinsville’s teams help christen the return, as the Lady Knights nipped the Lady Eagles 29-26 and the Black Knights drubbed the visitors, 73-31.
The girls win was led by Zayleigh Chekeleelee, who dropped 10 points and mixed in four steals, two assists and two rebounds to the victory. Chloe Adams recorded nine points and five steals, while Zaelyn Phillips added five points, six steals and five rebounds.
Also scoring for Robbinsville (1-1) was Zirriyah Wachacha 3 and Novie Dutcher 2. All told, the Lady Knights plucked 21 steals away from the Eagles.
It took a few moments for the Robbinsville boys to get out of first gear, but the Knights quickly raced away in the first quarter with a 22-7 lead. Hiwassee Dam/Ranger did not trim the deficit beyond 15 from that point forward.
Cameron Allison erupted for 22 points against the Eagles, while also contributing four rebounds and four steals to the statline. Xamuel Wachacha had a double-double – with 11 points and 11 steals – while also recording four assists and a rebound. Eli Lambert was the final player in double-digits for Robbinsville (1-1), posting 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Others adding to the final outcome were Landen Eddings, 8; Tucker Jones and Eli Shuler, with 6 each; Elijah Kirkland and Bam Nelms, with 4 each; and David Anderson, 2.
Brave venture
Cherokee – Robbinsville quickly hit the road for its second slate of the season Monday.
The Cherokee Braves proved to be rude hosts, picking up respective 67-12 and 63-36 wins over Robbinsville’s girls and boys.
Allison paced the Black Knights’ offense with 16 points. Also scoring was Wachacha 10, Nelms 6 and Lambert 4.
Zayleigh Chekeleelee had four points for the Lady Knights, with Adams, Phillips, Ella McGuire and Zirriyah Wachacha each dropping a bucket.