Sports

Robbinsville senior Kenyon Swimmer returned to action Friday at North Buncombe. Here, Swimmer keeps a watchful eye on Blackhawk Trent Clark; midway through the second, Swimmer dropped a 3-pointer that gave the Black Knights their only lead of the game in an eventual loss. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Kenyon Swimmer returned to action Friday at North Buncombe. Here, Swimmer keeps a watchful eye on Blackhawk Trent Clark; midway through the second, Swimmer dropped a 3-pointer that gave the Black Knights their only lead of the game in an eventual loss. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Blackhawks joust Black Knights

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Weaverville – The final varsity basketball action of 2024 proved to be a tough assignment.
Latesha Orr grabs top control on Velvet Carver during Nov. 7’s scrimmage. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Latesha Orr grabs top control on Velvet Carver during Nov. 7’s scrimmage. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights honing craft

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Corryton, Tenn. – Don’t let the win/loss record fool you: the Lady Knights are making significant headway on the mat.  Robbinsville (3-8) dropped a pair of duals Dec. 10 at Gibbs High School in Tennessee, before logging more bout time Saturday at North Henderson’s Falcon Frenzy.
With Aaliyah Wolfe (12) running interference, Robbinsville Middle’s Ella Nelms eyes a basket Monday against Cherokee. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

With Aaliyah Wolfe (12) running interference, Robbinsville Middle’s Ella Nelms eyes a basket Monday against Cherokee. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Middle school hoops struggling for consistency

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Robbinsville – Admittedly, Monday’s opponent was a tough draw: Cherokee paid a visit to Graham County for the middle school Knights’ final home games of 2024. Optimistic about a better outcome than Nov.

Bullheaded

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
All alone at the net, Knights senior Darion Ledbetter measures a lay-up attempt Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star Robbinsville – Despite trailing after one quarter of Friday's conference opener, the Black Knights refused to roll over and play dead.
Taking advantage of a frantic scramble inside the paint, Robbinsville senior Jozlyn Garland unloads a 3-pointer Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Taking advantage of a frantic scramble inside the paint, Robbinsville senior Jozlyn Garland unloads a 3-pointer Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Perfect run ends

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Back-to-back road losses Monday and Tuesday dampened a 4-0 start for the Robbinsville Lady Knights. It was a struggle from the opening tip-off at Hiwassee Dam (6-2), as Robbinsville (4-2, 1-1) fought all evening to make an inside presence against the Lady Eagles.
Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school splits the bill

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 16, 2024
Bryson City – A clean sweep of Swain County by Robbinsville on Dec. 5 was followed by a shaky showing at home Monday. The middle school Lady Knights (5-4) exorcised the Devils 54-16, while the Black Knights (4-5) cast out the demons 47-44.
Skyler Anderson became the latest Black Knight to record 100 career wins, achieving the feat Saturday during the Jim Hayes Invitational. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Skyler Anderson became the latest Black Knight to record 100 career wins, achieving the feat Saturday during the Jim Hayes Invitational. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

100 wins in the books

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 16, 2024
Charlotte – Just two weeks removed from teammate Loxston Hooper picking up career victory No. 100, Black Knight grappler Skyler Anderson accomplished the same feat during Saturday’s Jim Hayes Invitational.
Senior Liz Carpenter sizes up a free throw Monday against Smoky Mountain. Through the first three games of the year, Carpenter is averaging 15.3 points per game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Senior Liz Carpenter sizes up a free throw Monday against Smoky Mountain. Through the first three games of the year, Carpenter is averaging 15.3 points per game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Knights not playing nice

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 16, 2024
Highlands – The Lady Knights have won each of their first three games this season by a combined 13 points. "Close" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, though – a "W" is all that matters.
Bryce Adams attempts to dribble around Smoky Mountain’s Custer Pregner during Monday’s home opener. Adams has led Robbinsville’s scoreline in three of the Black Knights’ first four games this season. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Bryce Adams attempts to dribble around Smoky Mountain’s Custer Pregner during Monday’s home opener. Adams has led Robbinsville’s scoreline in three of the Black Knights’ first four games this season. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Plenty to brag about

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 16, 2024
Nantahala – While their varsity counterparts were still prepping to play their first game, the Black Knights cruised to an easy victory in their 2024-25 debut. A boys-only affair at Nantahala (3-2) on Dec.
Alexis Miller slams teammate Julia Vazquez during Nov. 7’s scrimmage. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Alexis Miller slams teammate Julia Vazquez during Nov. 7’s scrimmage. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Invitational appetizers

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 6, 2024
Hendersonville – While others were thawing out a feast – or traveling to spend the holiday with family – Robbinsville’s wrestling program was squeezing in one final set of tournaments just 24 hours before Thanksgiving.