Sports

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.
Robbinsville's Peyton Brooks (27) celebrates with teammates Everett Taylor (4) and Rylen Orr after tagging out Murphy's Aayden Williams at the plate April 30, securing the Black Knights' first victory over the Bulldogs since 2019. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Peyton Brooks (27) celebrates with teammates Everett Taylor (4) and Rylen Orr after tagging out Murphy's Aayden Williams at the plate April 30, securing the Black Knights' first victory over the Bulldogs since 2019. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights begin playoff run

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Robbinsville – The Black Knights hosted their first playoff game since moving onto Loudon Orr Memorial Field on Tuesday, fanning the North Stokes Vikings 8-0.In just its second postseason appearance since 2011, Robbinsville (No. 6 seed, 10-9) dominated.
Kynadee Spencer winds up to deliver a pitch April 24 against Swain County. Spencer has anchored the Lady Knights' rotation for the last several weeks and picked up her fifth win of the season April 30 against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kynadee Spencer winds up to deliver a pitch April 24 against Swain County. Spencer has anchored the Lady Knights' rotation for the last several weeks and picked up her fifth win of the season April 30 against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights clinch No. 1 seed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Robbinsville – It is only fitting that after such a successful season, the Lady Knights have once again been afforded the No. 1 seed in the 1A Western postseason bracket.