Sports

Lady Knights point guard Zayleigh Chekelelee scans the floor for passing options Monday against Hayesville. Chekelelee recorded 22 points against the Lady Jackets in Robbinsville’s victory. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights point guard Zayleigh Chekelelee scans the floor for passing options Monday against Hayesville. Chekelelee recorded 22 points against the Lady Jackets in Robbinsville’s victory. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Stung on the Chek

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 6, 2024
Robbinsville – The middle school Lady Knights quickly reversed what looked to be a post-Thanksgiving lull Monday, drubbing Hayesville 51-36 at Robbinsville Elementary School. Competing for the first time since Nov.
Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Friday

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 6, 2024
Murphy – The Black Knights and the Bulldogs meeting for postseason supremacy is almost a rite of passage at this point.  In fact, both the 2018 and 2020 Western Regional title games were contested between the two Smoky Mountain Conference foes; in 2021, they met in the Elite 8.
Loxston Hooper recorded career win No. 100 during Saturday’s Trojan Duals. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Loxston Hooper recorded career win No. 100 during Saturday’s Trojan Duals. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Hooper wins 100th

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Loxston Hooper’s joined Robbinsville’s growing lineage of 100-win grapplers Saturday.
Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Lady Knights back to .500

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Robbinsville – The first quarter of Nov. 21’s home game was shaky, but the Lady Knights led 8-6 nonetheless. The second period? An 18-3 drubbing – advantage, Robbinsville.

Knights to remain 1A

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Chapel Hill – After a lengthy period of conjecture, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has finally revealed its plans for the upcoming 2025-29 re-alignment. Confirmed Nov.
Senior quarterback Bryce Adams finds an opening during Nov. 15’s first-round playoff game against Thomasville. Adams rushed for three touchdowns in the second round Friday, leading the Black Knights past Bessemer City. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Senior quarterback Bryce Adams finds an opening during Nov. 15’s first-round playoff game against Thomasville. Adams rushed for three touchdowns in the second round Friday, leading the Black Knights past Bessemer City. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Suffocating swarm

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Bessemer City – All the buzz around Robbinsville’s football season reaching its conclusion suddenly quietened when news emerged from suburban Charlotte of Friday’s outcome. After pulling back above .
Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taking on all comers

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Black Knights have dove right into the deep end of the talent pool during their first official week of matches this year. Hosting a tri-match with Franklin and McDowell on Nov. 12, Robbinsville knocked off the Panthers 54-24 and the Titans 46-21.
Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Middle school Lady Knights back in win column

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights shook off back-to-back losses Nov. 14, upending the visiting Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Lady Eagles 49-35.  Robbinsville (2-3) ran away with the game by opening up a 24-6 lead at the outset of the second quarter.
Junior fullback Isiac Collins (7) decisively denies Thomasville’s Elijah McNeair with a stiff-arm during Friday’s first-round playoff win over the Bulldogs. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Junior fullback Isiac Collins (7) decisively denies Thomasville’s Elijah McNeair with a stiff-arm during Friday’s first-round playoff win over the Bulldogs. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

No bones about it

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The box score from Nov. 15, 2024's game between Thomasville and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – It took until the third quarter, but the Black Knights showed a familiar playoff swagger Friday night.
Robbinsville Middle School’s Carsan Snider cuts toward the paint during Nov. 4’s season opener against Swain.

Robbinsville Middle School’s Carsan Snider cuts toward the paint during Nov. 4’s season opener against Swain.

Smoky Mountain rain

Kevin Hensley
Monday, November 18, 2024
Sylva – For the first time in recent memory, Robbinsville met Smoky Mountain for middle school basketball action.