Murphy – The Black Knights pushed their season to its latest possible game: the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament finals.
But Robbinsville’s dance partner in the Jan. 19 title showdown was Cherokee, a team that had its number during the regular season.
The Knights nipped at the Braves’ heels in the first quarter, but a 16-14 deficit was quickly widened before halftime on the strength of a 22-7 segment, with Cherokee going on to win the championship in a 69-46 clinch.
“It seemed like they didn’t miss a shot from the field, free throw or even the 3-point line,” Black Knights head coach Jonathan Allison said of the Braves. “They are an all-around, good team. We had plenty of opportunities, but we missed 11 layups and jumpers in the first quarter. Missed shots like that hurt you in a ball game.”
Robbinsville’s offense was led in the loss by a 20-point game from Cameron Allison. Bam Nelms had 13, while Xamuel Wachacha scored eight. Five points from Elijah Kirkland rounded out scoring for the Knights.
Vindication
Coach Allison always believed miscues were the only reason Robbinsville did not defeat Murphy in the regular season. The Braves and Bulldogs were the only two teams that swept the Black Knights in the regular season.
But in the tournament semifinals, everything came together. Robbinsville entered Murphy and in their own backyard, upended the Bulldogs 49-45 to advance to the Cherokee appointment the following day.
“We knew it was going to be a physical, long game,” coach Allison explained. “Murphy jumped out in front of us and stayed in the lead until the fourth quarter. We made some defensive stops and forced some turnovers.”
In a preview of the next evening’s performance, Cameron Allison posted 20 points against Murphy. Wachacha dropped 14 and Kirkland recorded eight.
Tacking onto the four-point triumph was Eli Lambert, 5; and Tucker Jones, 2.
“Elijah came down with the rebound on a missed three and made a free throw to put us up four,” coach Allison said of the closing seconds. “Tucker then stole the ball at mid-court and came through in the clutch, making the basket as time expired.”
Returning core
There is one bit of solace to be found in the defeat: next year’s team is going to be loaded.
The offense’s main guns – Cameron Allison, Nelms and Wachacha – will all be back. Mix in other key components like Braylon Blevins, Landon Eddings, Kirkland and Easton Shuler – plus a dangerous seventh-grader in Payton Weaver – and even this early in the prediction window, coach Allison is right to be optimistic about Robbinsville’s next campaign.
“I plan on taking a few weeks of down time – but when that’s over, we will be in the gym working to get better,” coach Allison said. “Regardless of the score, the Robbinsville Black Knights showed heart and great character this year.