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Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program gather with the 2023 James Orr Memorial Invitational runner-up trophy, clinched after hosting their signature tournament Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program gather with the 2023 James Orr Memorial Invitational runner-up trophy, clinched after hosting their signature tournament Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The show must go on

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Robbinsville – Things did not go exactly to plan. The 2023 James Orr Memorial Invitational is normally a massive, daylong tournament, drawing programs from around the tri-state area to Graham County.

Health board meeting short, contentious

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners summoned the Graham County Health Advisory Board for a special meeting on Jan. 10, but it didn’t go quite like expected and lasted around five minutes.
Robbinsville’s Eli Lambert (12) splits a pair of Maroon-Devil defenders during the Black Knights’ win over Swain County on Jan. 5. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Eli Lambert (12) splits a pair of Maroon-Devil defenders during the Black Knights’ win over Swain County on Jan. 5. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school hoops splits final slate

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Lady Knight Chloe Adams pulls away from a Swain County defender for a second-half transition basket Jan. 5. Robbinsville – Both of Graham County’s middle school basketball programs kickstarted 2023 with a bang, overcoming tight deficits to pick up a pair of home victories.
After one of his nine steals, junior shooting guard Xander Wachacha weaves between the defense of Pisgah’s Sawyer Belue (3) and Aaron Clark (back) during Monday’s loss to the Black Bears. Wachacha had 20 points in the game, 10 of which came in transition. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

After one of his nine steals, junior shooting guard Xander Wachacha weaves between the defense of Pisgah’s Sawyer Belue (3) and Aaron Clark (back) during Monday’s loss to the Black Bears. Wachacha had 20 points in the game, 10 of which came in transition. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Boys’ lead slips away late, rally bid falls short

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Canton – The Black Knights pulled away from an early 4-4 knot and led until the fourth quarter. But the spirited effort was not enough. Coming off a tough 63-53 loss at Cocke County, Tenn.
Junior Aubrie Wachacha eyes a second-quarter basket Monday at Pisgah. Robbinsville’s center had 13 points against Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Junior Aubrie Wachacha eyes a second-quarter basket Monday at Pisgah. Robbinsville’s center had 13 points against Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville cannot thwart sharp shooters

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Newport, Tenn. – Coming off head coach Lucas Ford’s 100th win Jan. 3, the Lady Knights embarked on a pair of long road trips for non-conference action. Robbinsville (9-4) admittedly had a tough draw, facing a pair of 3A powerhouses in Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday and Pisgah on Monday.
Members of the Robbinsville High School gather around the championship plaque the Black Knights collected Saturday, after going 5-0 and winning the Enka Duals in Candler. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Members of the Robbinsville High School gather around the championship plaque the Black Knights collected Saturday, after going 5-0 and winning the Enka Duals in Candler. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Check the trophy case

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Candler – If the trend continues, they might have to re-name the famed “Jet Hanger” at Enka High School, “Robbinsville’s House.” For the third time this year, the Black Knights traveled to suburban Asheville on Saturday. The task ahead?

New finance officer resigns in first week

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Robbinsville – It’s back to the drawing board for the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen to fill the top staff position at Town Hall. Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams said Annette Carver – who the board hired to be the town’s finance officer – has already stepped down from the position.
Standing with a portrait of J.S. Hyde, the first sheriff of Graham County in 1872, are law-enforcement ‘grandsons’ living in Graham County.

Standing with a portrait of J.S. Hyde, the first sheriff of Graham County in 1872, are law-enforcement ‘grandsons’ living in Graham County.

Can’t beat ‘em? Join ‘em

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Robbinsville – In 1872, J.S. “Jason” Hyde was named the first sheriff of Graham County, a fledgling county split off from Cherokee County. Although Sheriff Hyde would later have a spotty record, his role as sheriff would inspire many of his descendants to pursue careers in law enforcement.