Robbinsville – It was certainly a unique finish for Robbinsville Middle School’s baseball and softball programs this year.
The Black Knights stampeded the Martins Creek Hornets 20-2 on May 10, securing their first win of the season in the penultimate game of the campaign.
Robbinsville fell in a 21-11 slugfest to Copper Basin, Tenn., the next day and – coupled with a pair of losses against Hayesville (15-0 on May 1, 20-8 on May 3) ended the slate 1-11.
“The team this year consisted of six, 8th graders; eight, 7th graders; and two sixth-graders,” head coach Adam Brooks explained to The Graham Star on Monday. “As a whole, the team showed tremendous improvement throughout the season. Many of the players were new to baseball, but they worked very hard and grew in both their skill and knowledge of the game.
“Next season, we will return nine players that started game this season – including all of our pitchers. Some of the players plan to play on teams during the offseason. I expect this group of players to continue to grow and develop into solid middle-school and high-school players.”
Meanwhile, the Lady Knights had no idea when they steamrolled Hayesville (14-2 on May 1, 15-2 on May 3) that the latter showing would be the season finale. Robbinsville (9-2) was set to host Copper Basin for 8th Grade Night on May 11, but the Lady Cougars forfeited the game just 24 hours prior, citing a lack of players.
“I am so thankful that I have had the privilege of being your coach,” head coach Anna Stewart said in a statement to her players, sent to The Star on Monday. “I have watched you grow up and I am so proud of the young women that you have become.
“You are truly amazing athletes and I can not wait to see what you do in the future. I know it will be amazing and I will be cheering you on.”