Sports

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.
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.
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.
Middle school Lady Knight Lakin Orr awaits the call after tagging a Murphy baserunner during April 1’s home game. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Middle school Lady Knight Lakin Orr awaits the call after tagging a Murphy baserunner during April 1’s home game. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights enter break 9-1

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Murphy – Thanks to the 8th grade coast trip and Spring Break, the middle school Lady Knights will have a 19-day gap in-between games. The rest of the Smoky Mountain Conference is hopeful that the interruption will cool the team off.
Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor gets lost in a sea of Lady Knight players Friday, as she was greeted at home plate following her go-ahead home run against Murphy. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor gets lost in a sea of Lady Knight players Friday, as she was greeted at home plate following her go-ahead home run against Murphy. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Counterstrike

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Robbinsville – Tied 4-4 entering the bottom of the sixth, Friday’s Smoky Mountain Conference rematch between the Lady Knights and Murphy was in need of just one clutch hit from one clutch player. With one out, Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor answered the call.

Black Knights hit skid

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 10, 2025
First baseman Peyton Brooks (27) awaits the toss from pitcher Easton Shuler during March 21’s home game against Andrews.
Bryce Adams looks for a way to evade the defense of Bradford Preparatory Academy’s Isaiah Poston during the first round of the state playoffs Feb. 25. Adams was recently named the Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Player of the Year. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Bryce Adams looks for a way to evade the defense of Bradford Preparatory Academy’s Isaiah Poston during the first round of the state playoffs Feb. 25. Adams was recently named the Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Player of the Year. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Tip of the cap

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Robbinsville – When you get down to brass tacks, Bryce Adams was the only clear choice for the 2024-25 Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Player of the Year.