Sports

As Connor Hyde (22) looks on, Robbinsville's Kamden Driver (2) looks to turn the second leg of a double play during April 23's JV victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

As Connor Hyde (22) looks on, Robbinsville's Kamden Driver (2) looks to turn the second leg of a double play during April 23's JV victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

JV Knights wrap up season

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Bryson City – The final record might not indicate much success, but the junior varsity Black Knights made great strides during the 2026 season.Perhaps the highlight of the year was downing Smoky Mountain Conference rival Swain County in back-to-back road games.
Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Black Knights win 1st divisional title since 2011

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Cherokee – The last time Robbinsville's boys track and field program won a conference title, some of the athletes on the roster had yet to be born.
Peyton Brooks earned his first win of the season April 23 against Copper Basin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Peyton Brooks earned his first win of the season April 23 against Copper Basin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights tame Cougars

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Robbinsville – Simply put, the Knights had a field day when Copper Basin came to town April 23.
Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Queens reign again

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Robbinsville – Another year, another divisional championship for the Lady Knights.
Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms (left) has not been content filling out a pitch-count chart over the last two weeks – but it's all the ace of the Lady Knights pitching staff is capable of, after being sidelined with an injury. Nelms is expected to return to action during Friday's season finale against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms (left) has not been content filling out a pitch-count chart over the last two weeks – but it's all the ace of the Lady Knights pitching staff is capable of, after being sidelined with an injury. Nelms is expected to return to action during Friday's season finale against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Can't rain on her parade

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Robbinsville – Ella Nelms seemingly had this season by the horns.She started 16 games. She won 16 of them. She surrendered two runs (one unearned) and coughed up just 17 hits while logging 81 innings of work inside the circle. Her ERA is an almost-unfathomable 0.
Jackson Lane fires a throw from right field during March 20's home game against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Jackson Lane fires a throw from right field during March 20's home game against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights reel in success

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Asheville – For the first time since the debut series of the season, the Robbinsville Black Knights have a winning record.
Daphne Barlow stands poised in the batters box during April 9's game against A.C. Reynolds. Barlow drove in Robbinsville's only runs during last week's shocking loss to Enka. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Daphne Barlow stands poised in the batters box during April 9's game against A.C. Reynolds. Barlow drove in Robbinsville's only runs during last week's shocking loss to Enka. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights stunned

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights posted a graphic on their Facebook page shortly after incurring their first loss of the year April 15.The final score of 12-2 was emblazoned across the screen, along with the words, "Remember this one. We will.
Hatchery-raised trout are released into Wake County's Simpkins Pond on Dec. 18, 2024. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission began a weekly stocking schedule in Graham County this month, which will continue through June. Photo courtesy of Jonathon Gruenke/N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Hatchery-raised trout are released into Wake County's Simpkins Pond on Dec. 18, 2024. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission began a weekly stocking schedule in Graham County this month, which will continue through June. Photo courtesy of Jonathon Gruenke/N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Trout stocking underway

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Officials with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have began the process of visiting popular fishing spots across Graham County, stocking locations full of hatchery-developed trout for the 2026 season.
With the rest of the Lady Knights waiting to greet her, Dreylee Webster (55) trots into home plate after hitting her first of two home runs April 9 against A.C. Reynolds. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

With the rest of the Lady Knights waiting to greet her, Dreylee Webster (55) trots into home plate after hitting her first of two home runs April 9 against A.C. Reynolds. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Attaway, Drey!

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Cullowhee – Just a few weeks after Western Carolina University re-named its softball complex after the program's founder, a high school team helped christen the field.The Robbinsville Lady Knights rolled onto campus April 9, playing as the away team in the annual neutral-site clash with the A.C.
Everett Taylor makes a running catch March 20 against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Everett Taylor makes a running catch March 20 against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights rout Braves – again

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Cherokee – At this juncture, members of the Braves have to be pointing fingers of blame and asking, "Who owes them money?"Following a 28-1 drubbing of their divisional foe April 7, Robbinsville (6-6, 6-4) made the return trip to Cherokee (1-11, 1-9) for the series finale Friday.