Robbinsville, NC- Head Coach Lucas Ford had the Robbinsville Lady Knights in the gym getting shots up hours before their game against conference rival Murphy.

He and his team knew that this game meant a little more, as do all games across all sports between Robbinsville and Murphy.

The Lady Bulldogs came into the game riding an unbeaten streak that stretched across 36 games.

Robbinsville came into the game with a chip on their shoulder; Remembering last year and how they came closer to beating the Dogs than any team did: Murphy needed a buzzer beater 3 to force overtime in 2019, where they eventually secured the win and were on their way to a state championship.

History would not repeat itself however, as Robbinsville jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

Thanks to 2 threes from Kennedy Phillips, the Lady Knights a 19-11 lead over the Lady Bulldogs heading into the second quarter.

Desta Trammell poured it on in the second, finishing the half with 13 points and 2 boards and giving the Black Knights a 36-26 lead at the break.

Trammell wasn’t finished there, adding 9 second half points to take her final stat line to 22 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Most impressively though,, she led the Lady Knights to an 67-53 win!

Halee Anderson also added 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Robbinsville, Murphy and Cherokee are now tied for first place in the Big Smoky Mountain Conference.

The Lady Knights next two games are both away against Conference foes Rosman and Hayesville, on 1/29 and 2/2.

Murphy will look to get back on track at home against Andrews on Friday, 1/29.