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Avery Webster had a multi-hit performance in Robbinsville’s 12-1 blowout victory over Cherokee on Tuesday. Photos by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Avery Webster had a multi-hit performance in Robbinsville’s 12-1 blowout victory over Cherokee on Tuesday. Photos by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Black Knights tee off against Braves

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Quinn Jumper snags a pop-up Monday against Swain County. Robbinsville – The Black Knights shook off a succession of conference losses in resounding fashion Tuesday, trouncing Cherokee in a five-inning, 12-1 affair on Senior Night.
Robbinsville head coach Billy Knight receives a customary bath Monday, after leading the Lady Knights to their 17th Smoky Mountain Conference title. Delivering the free shower were Loxley Burke (not visible), Anna Williams (4) and Kynadee Spencer (1). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville head coach Billy Knight receives a customary bath Monday, after leading the Lady Knights to their 17th Smoky Mountain Conference title. Delivering the free shower were Loxley Burke (not visible), Anna Williams (4) and Kynadee Spencer (1). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

And still ...

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Robbinsville – Until another contender steps up to the plate, Lady Knights softball will maintain its monopoly over the Smoky Mountain Conference. The program's 17th divisional title was clinched Monday, thanks to a 5-0 blanking of the visiting Swain County Lady Devils.
With the setting sun beaming down, the Robbinsville Black Knights soak in the reality of their first Smoky Mountain Conference golf championship in 25 years. The team clinched the title Monday at Mountain Harbour Golf Course in Hayesville, at the conclusion of the two-day league tournament. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

With the setting sun beaming down, the Robbinsville Black Knights soak in the reality of their first Smoky Mountain Conference golf championship in 25 years. The team clinched the title Monday at Mountain Harbour Golf Course in Hayesville, at the conclusion of the two-day league tournament. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Swinging for state

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Hayesville – A 25-year gap in divisional championships found itself buried in the sand bunker Monday. In a commanding 46-stroke victory, Robbinsville captured its first Smoky Mountain Conference golf title since 2000 by shooting a 721 over the course of the two-day league tournament.
Adjacent to the Graham County Recycling Center on Snowbird Road, this sanitation site has faced criticism regarding water standing in front of many of the dumpsters. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Adjacent to the Graham County Recycling Center on Snowbird Road, this sanitation site has faced criticism regarding water standing in front of many of the dumpsters. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

No timetable for sanitation site repairs

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Milltown – It might not appear as such on the surface, but county officials are well aware of the drainage issues at the Snowbird Sanitation Center.
Members of the Robbinsville Shooting Team accept the program’s second-place trophy in hunter skills at March 16’s district tournament. From left are Murphy Shanahan, Ryan Lynn, Avery Brown and Wade Franado. Not pictured are Myley Hyde and Mason Satterfield. Photo courtesy of Cheri Lynn/Robbinsville Shooting Team

Members of the Robbinsville Shooting Team accept the program’s second-place trophy in hunter skills at March 16’s district tournament. From left are Murphy Shanahan, Ryan Lynn, Avery Brown and Wade Franado. Not pictured are Myley Hyde and Mason Satterfield. Photo courtesy of Cheri Lynn/Robbinsville Shooting Team

Shooters narrowly miss state tournament bid

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Columbus – The Black Knights barely missed the mark on qualifying for a state-competition appearance.
As part of a fundraiser, the Robbinsville Black Knights football team is selling a limited number of game-used helmets.

As part of a fundraiser, the Robbinsville Black Knights football team is selling a limited number of game-used helmets.

Game-worn helmets on sale

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Robbinsville – For a limited time, you can purchase a piece of Black Knights football history. New head coach Lucas Ford announced Friday that helmets worn by members of the Robbinsville football program were available to buy. Only 35 will be sold; the cost is $100.
Gamecocks senior Abigail Knight takes off on the basepath during March 21’s home game against Texas Tech. Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina Athletics

Gamecocks senior Abigail Knight takes off on the basepath during March 21’s home game against Texas Tech. Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina Athletics

Home-grown talent

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Of the 16 Smoky Mountain Conference titles that adorn the program's outfield scoreboard at Judy Nichols Memorial Field, Robbinsville has won the last seven in a row.
On-ground personnel worked to combat the Haoe Lead Fire inside the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest by creating a burn Monday. The smoke from Monday’s start can be seen in the center of this photo from the Obadiah Overlook on the Cherohala Skyway; to the left is smoke from the original fire, which started April 12. Photo courtesy of Joe Leak/U.S. Forest Service Safety Officer, Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team

On-ground personnel worked to combat the Haoe Lead Fire inside the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest by creating a burn Monday. The smoke from Monday’s start can be seen in the center of this photo from the Obadiah Overlook on the Cherohala Skyway; to the left is smoke from the original fire, which started April 12. Photo courtesy of Joe Leak/U.S. Forest Service Safety Officer, Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team

Fire burns 3,103 acres

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Santeetlah – The Haoe Lead Fire started from an April 12 lightning strike, around 4,000 feet in elevation and near the intersection of the Jenkins Meadow and Haoe Lead trails.
Home run celebrations are becoming a custom for Robbinsville softball. Dreylee Webster was the latest to join the long-ball club, as she delivered a 3-run homer Monday against A.C. Reynolds. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Home run celebrations are becoming a custom for Robbinsville softball. Dreylee Webster was the latest to join the long-ball club, as she delivered a 3-run homer Monday against A.C. Reynolds. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Lady Knights continue to build legacy

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Head coach Billy Knight has a depth chart unlike any other at his disposal, led by seniors Liz Carpenter, Olivia Lewis and Taylor.
Robbinsville’s Easton Shuler (2) tries to beat the relay throw to home plate during Game 1 of April 9’s doubleheader against Franklin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Easton Shuler (2) tries to beat the relay throw to home plate during Game 1 of April 9’s doubleheader against Franklin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights giving divisional foes fits

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 17, 2025
After returning to the postseason picture in 2024 – their first appearance since 2011 – and collecting 10 wins for the first time since 2010, the Black Knights entered 2025 with a lot of optimism.