Sports

The Robbinsville Lady Knights cheer after being announced as the 1A state champions May 30. The team was recently named one of the Top 25 in the nation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights named to elite lists

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, July 9, 2026

El Dorado Hills, Calif. – Even though the season ended six weeks ago, the Robbinsville Lady Knights continue to receive accolades that fully demonstrate their dominance this season.

Luke Lovin was Robbinsville's lone All-Conference selection for the 2026 season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

All-Conference baseball, softball teams announced

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Robbinsville – With the 2026 baseball and softball seasons now in the rearview mirror, the annual All-Smoky Mountain Conference awards have been announced.

Adorned with the Lady Knights' "Home Run Hat," Robbinsville senior Anna Williams celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of Friday's state-championship series opener. Williams finished the game with six RBIs. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights compete for softball state championship

Kevin Hensley

Friday, May 29, 2026

Durham – The program of the decade has its state championship.It just took the right mixture to create the perfect compound for success.

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather around the 2026 1A Western Regional championship plaque, minutes after clinching the program's first-ever state-title appearance. Photo courtesy of Sasha Watty/Contributing Photographer

No more delaying the inevitable

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Summerfield – For years, Robbinsville softball has been the standard-bearer for consistency and excellence across North Carolina.Yet, something was missing: a state championship.

Suri Watty celebrates after reaching second base in Robbinsville's second-round playoff rout of River Mill Academy on May 8. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

One for the road

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Robbinsville – If Tuesday's game is any indication, the Lady Knights are well on their way to a state finals appearance.The dynasty of Robbinsville softball has never reached the 1A championship series, but has mowed down postseason opponents in its current quest for a ring.

The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

Knights win 1st team state championship

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Greensboro – Between three individual state champions and a plethora of high placements, the Robbinsville Black Knights mixed together the right formula for 1A immortality.

Robbinsville senior Luke Lovin delivers a pitch during the Black Knights' second-round playoff game Friday at Andrews. Lovin struck out 11 Wildcats across 5 1/3 innings. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Knights fall in 2nd round

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Andrews – Down to their final three outs – and in a five-run hole – the Black Knights displayed the same tenacity Friday that propelled the program to just its third playoff appearance in 15 years.

Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms returned to the circle for the Lady Knights' playoff opener against River Mill Academy. She combined for 20 strikeouts against both the Lady Jaguars and Tuesday's third-round opposition, Falls Lake Academy. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights back in regional series

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Robbinsville – The friendly confines of Judy Nichols Memorial Field played favorably into the Lady Knights' hands during their 2026 postseason openers.After enjoying a first-round bye, Robbinsville (No.

Golf season ends at regional tournament

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Rutherfordton – Robbinsville's varsity golf season concluded at May 5's 1A Western Regional Tournament, which was held at Rutherfordton's Meadowbrook Golf Course.Avery Brown missed qualifying for the state championship match by one stroke, placing 15th overall after shooting a 91.

The Robbinsville Black Knights proudly display the 1A Western Regional Championship plaque Friday, after conquering the competition at Montreat College.

Black Knights capture regional championship

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Black Mountain – Robbinsville's boys track and field are on the cusp of sweeping the championship slate clean.With a resounding 179 team points, the Black Knights cruised to the 1A Western Regional title at Friday's meet, which was held at Montreat College.