Sports

Lleyton Hooper applies a half-nelson during Tuesday’s dual against Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Jacquline Gayosso/Contributing Photographer

Lleyton Hooper applies a half-nelson during Tuesday’s dual against Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Jacquline Gayosso/Contributing Photographer

Dual frenzy

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Robbinsville – Six duals in a span of four days would be a grind for most programs. For Robbinsville, it’s business as usual. The Black Knights welcomed schools from across – and outside – the state for Saturday’s inaugural H.O.O.T.
Robbinsville’s Delaney Brooms (21) jostles with Smoky Mountain’s Kieara Ensley (2) and Julia Macauley over a rebound during the Lady Knights’ win over the Lady Mustangs on Dec. 7. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Delaney Brooms (21) jostles with Smoky Mountain’s Kieara Ensley (2) and Julia Macauley over a rebound during the Lady Knights’ win over the Lady Mustangs on Dec. 7. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Lady Knights shake off overtime road scare

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Anna Williams (left) attempts to evade a Smoky Mountain defender in Robbinsville’s successful JV season opener Dec. 7. Highlands – The trip to Highlands School often produces a mixed reaction from any team that endures the winding journey to the plateau.
Dane Knott shouts instructions to the Black Knights in the ealry moments of Robbinsville’s win over Smoky Mountain on Dec. 7. A sophomore, Knott has taken the reins as the Knights’ point guard this season. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Dane Knott shouts instructions to the Black Knights in the ealry moments of Robbinsville’s win over Smoky Mountain on Dec. 7. A sophomore, Knott has taken the reins as the Knights’ point guard this season. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Varsity boys flexing in early portion of season

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Kyzik Teesateskie eyes an inside shot during the first half of Dec. 7's tango with Smoky Mountain.
Carsan Snider (22) passes to Micah York late in Robbinsville Middle School’s 63-32, home victory over Swain County on Nov. 30. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Carsan Snider (22) passes to Micah York late in Robbinsville Middle School’s 63-32, home victory over Swain County on Nov. 30. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

We meet again

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 8, 2023
Robbinsville Middle School’s boys basketball team has taken care of business in each of its assignments thus far. The closest threat to a blemish came early in the campaign – the second game of the year, to be exact. Robbinsville prevailed 52-44 over Hiwassee Dam/Ranger on Nov.
Liz Carpenter pulls down a rebound during Tuesday’s season opener against Nantahala. The junior small forward finished the game with a team-best 19 points. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Liz Carpenter pulls down a rebound during Tuesday’s season opener against Nantahala. The junior small forward finished the game with a team-best 19 points. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Flyin’ high

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 8, 2023
Robbinsville – Between the Lady Knights and Black Knights, a whopping 163 points sank through the nets during Tuesday’s two-game debuts against Nantahala.

100 successes

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 8, 2023
Charlotte – Even in the bright lights of the big city, Alexis Panama found a way to stick out. With a 7-4, semifinal decision nod over South Rowan’s Mateo Diaz, Panama achieved career victory No. 100 for Robbinsville.
In the scramble for a fumble, Kage Williams laid a hard hit on Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

In the scramble for a fumble, Kage Williams laid a hard hit on Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore. Photos by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

End of the road

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 8, 2023
The box score from Robbinsville's 1A Western Regional Final loss to Mount Airy on Dec. 1, 2023. Robbinsville – It came down to who could effectively cash in on turnovers.
Senior Chase Calhoun (2) shoves away the attempt of Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore during Friday’s 1A Western Regional Final in Robbinsville. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Senior Chase Calhoun (2) shoves away the attempt of Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore during Friday’s 1A Western Regional Final in Robbinsville. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Robbinsville halted in Western finale

Kevin Hensley
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Robbinsville – The Black Knights saw their magical run to the 1A Western Regional finals come to a heartbreaking end Friday against the defending state champions. Trailing 17-16 as the contest entered the fourth quarter, Robbinsville (No. 1, 13-2) was held in-check by Mount Airy (No.
Lady Knight cheerleaders Raylee Knott (left) and Kalyn Cable recently entertained the masses at Disney World.

Lady Knight cheerleaders Raylee Knott (left) and Kalyn Cable recently entertained the masses at Disney World.

Sharing Christmas cheer

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – As we enter this season of holiday cheer, two Robbinsville High School cheerleaders are working overtime.
Tim Grant (14) swats the ball out of Camren Robinson's possession during Robbinsville's rout over Martins Creek on Nov. 20. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Tim Grant (14) swats the ball out of Camren Robinson's possession during Robbinsville's rout over Martins Creek on Nov. 20. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights sting Jackets

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Hayesville – The post-Thanksgiving, turkey hangover failed to affect the Robbinsville Middle School basketball program.