Knights Win Close Game Against Eagles for Break the Silence

Robinson plays their annual basketball game organized to raise awareness on domestic violence against Brandon HS.

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Photo Juno Le

Jonah Irwin (’23) jumps to aim for the net. The Break the Silence game was inching closer to the end of the third quarter, which the Knights would finish 24-18, with Brandon taking the quarter. “It was a good game… it was closer than it could’ve been but besides that, I’m glad everyone came,” Irwin said.

Juno Le and Keirra McGoldrick

Every nine seconds, a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten, contributing to the high rates of domestic violence.

Robinson High School has had an annual tradition of a basketball game dating for the last eight years in hopes of raising awareness on domestic violence and sexual assault. It accounts for the statistic above by asking that everyone except the players on the court, coaches and referees remain silent until the Knights score their ninth point of the game. At that point, everyone in the stands is encouraged to “break the silence” and “get loud” by screaming and cheering.

Break the Silence games are held during a home game for boys basketball, usually after the girls team plays.

“I think [Break the Silence is] a great thing for the Robinson High School community and I’m so proud of the student body for coming out and supporting such a great cause,” Boys Basketball Head Coach Steven Smith said.

The Knights played their Break the Silence game against Brandon High School on Jan. 21 following the girls basketball team’s Senior Night. The girls game ended in an almost shutout, with the Knights beating Brandon 48-6.

Following their senior night festivities, the boys game began at 8 p.m. and the stands grew silent

While Brandon scored the first few points, the Knights eventually caught up, making the “break the silence” ninth point and continuing to gain another 12 points before the end of the quarter, taking the lead in the first period 21-18.

Despite staying behind for most of the game, the Eagles kept it close enough to keep the Knights on their toes, treading behind the Knights a mere five points by the end of the third quarter.

In their final quarter of the game, Robinson scored another 20 points and Brandon another 14 points.

Knights won the game 84-73.

“The team had a great win… we all came together and put on a great show for the fans. We’re looking to build on it as we head into the district tournament,” guard Matthew “Matt” Turman (’22) said.

Robinson’s next home game is against Sumner High School on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m.

“I feel confident in our guys,” Turman said, “with us playing team ball, there aren’t many teams who can run with us.”