Robbinsville boys record three blowouts in opening week
Nantahala – While their varsity counterparts were still prepping to play their first game, the Black Knights cruised to an easy victory in their 2024-25 debut.
A boys-only affair at Nantahala (3-2) on Dec. 5 proved to be the very definition of a "team victory," as Robbinsville (3-1) clipped the Hawks 86-35.
Nathan Frederick emerged from the crowded scoreline with a Knights-best 14 points. Also scoring for Robbinsville was Bryce Adams 12; Darion Ledbetter 11; Roman Jones 10; Dane Knott 9; Luke Lovin 8; Logan Callaway and Isiac Collins, 6 each; Quinn Jumper and Kyzik Teesateskie, 4 apiece; and Kasen Buchanan 2.
High country win
Highlands – The Black Knights continued to pound on the Little Smoky Mountain Conference on Friday, trouncing Highlands (3-3), 67-42.
Adams unleashed an 18-point showing against the Highlanders, leading Robbinsville's offense. Others to score for the Knights were Ledbetter 11; Frederick and Knott, 6 each; Jones and Lovin, 5 apiece; Collins and Teesateskie, 4 each; Callaway 3; Jumper and Trey Lambert, 2 apiece; and Buchanan 1.
Home woe
Robbinsville – The home opener Monday was spoiled by a tough Smoky Mountain (5-1) line-up, which edged the Knights 77-71. Robbinsville held a 28-26 advantage at halftime, but simply could not contain the Mustangs down the stretch – as the visitors nailed crucial shots to stay one step ahead.
Adams once again led the Black Knights, posting 15 points in the loss. Adding to the outcome was Frederick 14; Knott and Jones, 11 each; Ledbetter 10; Lovin 6; and both Collins and Jumper hit a bucket apiece.
Robbinsville got off to a hot start Tuesday against Copper Basin (2-5), racing to an 18-0 start and never looking back en route to a 68-32 dismantling of the Cougars.
Bryce Adams finished with 20 points, five rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Ledbetter had 14 points, three assists, three steals and a rebound, while both Frederick and Knott piled on seven apiece. Rounding out the scoreline for Robbinsville was Jumper 6; Lovin 5; Jones 4; Collins and Teesateskie, 2 each; and Buchanan 1.
Junior varsity
Robbinsville's up-and-coming stars are off to a 2-0 start, thanks to a 64-26 win at Highlands on Friday and a 48-43 triumph over Smoky Mountain on Monday.
Elijah Kirkland's 19 points led the Black Knights to victory over the Highlanders. Also scoring was Bam Nelms 13, Eli Lambert 11, Tucker Jones 7, Landon Eddings 6, Xamuel Wachacha 5 and Slade Freeman 3.
Nelms seized the reins Monday, leading Robbinsville with 13 points against the Mustangs. Others to score were Kirkland 12, Lambert 9, Wachacha 8, Jones 4 and Freeman 2.