Sports

Black Knights senior Donovan Carpenter unloads a corner jumper during the second half of Friday’s win over Hayesville. Carpenter’s 14-point evening led Robbinsville’s output. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Black Knights senior Donovan Carpenter unloads a corner jumper during the second half of Friday’s win over Hayesville. Carpenter’s 14-point evening led Robbinsville’s output. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

(Home) court is in session

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Robbinsville – With three straight road games against Little Smoky Mountain Conference schools on the docket ahead, the Black Knights’ resounding defense of their home court will be put on ice.
The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights gathered at half court in Bryson City on Monday to commemorate a 14-0 regular season after defeating Swain County in the finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights gathered at half court in Bryson City on Monday to commemorate a 14-0 regular season after defeating Swain County in the finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights cap unbeaten regular season

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Bryson City – When the Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights completed the program’s first perfect regular season since a stretch of back-to-back, undefeated runs from 2009-11, there was very little fanfare.
The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights beam with pride after winning their third consecutive Smoky Mountain Conference title Dec. 21. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights beam with pride after winning their third consecutive Smoky Mountain Conference title Dec. 21. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Middle school Knights seize conference title

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Bryson City – There’s no need for adjustment: the system is working just fine. While their varsity counterparts are busy with success, Robbinsville Middle School’s Black Knights have pieced together a run of three-straight Smoky Mountain Conference titles.
Forward Bryce Adams fights through the interior defense of Smoky Mountain’s Cameron Fowler (5) and Ace Pregner (14) on Dec. 27. Although the junior’s efforts in the game resulted in a double-double, the Black Knights suffered their first loss of the year. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Forward Bryce Adams fights through the interior defense of Smoky Mountain’s Cameron Fowler (5) and Ace Pregner (14) on Dec. 27. Although the junior’s efforts in the game resulted in a double-double, the Black Knights suffered their first loss of the year. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Unplanned re-run

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Kenyon Swimmer unloads a jumper during Robbinsville’s win over Veritas Christian Academy on Dec. 28. Sylva – The Black Knights were adamant about what they hoped to accomplish in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Invitational: win and win out.
The Black Knights gather around the inaugural “Mill vs. The ‘Ville” trophy, which was brought back to Robbinsville on Dec. 28 in the wake of a huge dual victory at Pisgah. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Black Knights gather around the inaugural “Mill vs. The ‘Ville” trophy, which was brought back to Robbinsville on Dec. 28 in the wake of a huge dual victory at Pisgah. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Long Black (Knight) Train

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Canton – Duals seem to go one of two ways: either it’s clear from the outset who’s in control, or the competition is so fierce that it turns into a race to the finish. The Dec.
Suri Watty was lights out from beyond the arc in Dec. 27’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Invitational opener, posting six in Robbinsville’s victory over the Lady Mustangs. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Suri Watty was lights out from beyond the arc in Dec. 27’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Invitational opener, posting six in Robbinsville’s victory over the Lady Mustangs. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Back on track

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Junior guard Claire Barlow works out of the corner and around the defense of Brevard’s Ella Scott on Dec. 29. Barlow finished with a team-best 19 points in the Christmas tournament finale.
Elijah Kirkland seemingly reaches into the lights – and over the plea of Andrews’ Tanner Postell – for two of his Black Knights-best 15 points in Dec. 14’s home win over the Wildcats. Photo courtesy of Jozlyn Garland/Contributing Photographer

Elijah Kirkland seemingly reaches into the lights – and over the plea of Andrews’ Tanner Postell – for two of his Black Knights-best 15 points in Dec. 14’s home win over the Wildcats. Photo courtesy of Jozlyn Garland/Contributing Photographer

On cusp of perfection

Kevin Hensley
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Robbinsville’s Bella Coats storms past the corner defense of Andrews’ Juliet Holloway on Dec. 14. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com Martins Creek – Things are pretty well in the bag at this juncture for the middle school Black Knights. Robbinsville (12-0) has already clinched the No.
After five grueling matches Saturday, the Robbinsville High School Black Knights proudly display the Pool C, Devil Duals first-place trophy. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

After five grueling matches Saturday, the Robbinsville High School Black Knights proudly display the Pool C, Devil Duals first-place trophy. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Devil of a Dual

Kevin Hensley
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Bryson City – Don’t let the outcomes fool you: Robbinsville earned the title of “Devil Duals Champions” on Saturday.

Stadium project sees progress

Ruby Annas
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Robbinsville – The Graham County Board of Commissioners and Graham County Board of Education held a special meeting Dec. 12, to discuss the construction of a new football stadium.
With Andrews’ Kinleigh Queen (12) sprinting to cut off the progress, Liz Carpenter breaks toward the home basket during Tuesday’s loss to the Lady Wildcats. Despite Carpenter’s 21-point showing, the Knights suffered their first setback of the season. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

With Andrews’ Kinleigh Queen (12) sprinting to cut off the progress, Liz Carpenter breaks toward the home basket during Tuesday’s loss to the Lady Wildcats. Despite Carpenter’s 21-point showing, the Knights suffered their first setback of the season. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Wildcats stun Lady Knights

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights were not prepared for what transpired on their home court Tuesday.