Sports

Jetting toward success

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Candler – While others were spending time with loved ones or traveling for the holiday, Robbinsville’s wrestling program was busy plying its craft. The dedication paid dividends, as you could look anywhere on the results for Nov.
The 2023-24 Robbinsville Lady Knights varsity wrestling team. Names are listed from left. Front row: Nora Thomas, Koda Stinson, Anna Norris, Andrea Sheeks, Jayce Shuler, Velvet Carver, Hailey McLucas and Haley Burchfield. Back row: head coach Josh Winfrey, Alex Parton, Pacey Bradshaw, Kenzie Belk, Kaley Lofty, Kyla Jenkins, Campbell Brooks, Alexis El-Khouri and Jennifer Guzman. Not pictured is assistant coach Sarah Orr. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The 2023-24 Robbinsville Lady Knights varsity wrestling team. Names are listed from left. Front row: Nora Thomas, Koda Stinson, Anna Norris, Andrea Sheeks, Jayce Shuler, Velvet Carver, Hailey McLucas and Haley Burchfield. Back row: head coach Josh Winfrey, Alex Parton, Pacey Bradshaw, Kenzie Belk, Kaley Lofty, Kyla Jenkins, Campbell Brooks, Alexis El-Khouri and Jennifer Guzman. Not pictured is assistant coach Sarah Orr. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Trendsetters

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 30, 2023
* Lady Knights wrestling season preview Robbinsville – Every dynasty has to begin somewhere. The 2023-24 wrestling season has ushered in another story in the widely-respected annals of Robbinsville wrestling history. Thanks to the N.C.
With Bryce Adams in motion, Robbinsville quarterback Donovan Carpenter lines up behind the Knights' offensive line (comprised here of Quinn Jumper, Dayne Webster, Kellen Ensley, Dane Daniels and Roman Jones, from back to front) during Friday's fourth-round playoff game against North Rowan. Consistency up front is one of the driving forces behind the Black Knights reaching the 1A Western Regional Final for the fifth time in six years. Photo courtesy of Faith Broome/Contributing Photographer

With Bryce Adams in motion, Robbinsville quarterback Donovan Carpenter lines up behind the Knights' offensive line (comprised here of Quinn Jumper, Dayne Webster, Kellen Ensley, Dane Daniels and Roman Jones, from back to front) during Friday's fourth-round playoff game against North Rowan. Consistency up front is one of the driving forces behind the Black Knights reaching the 1A Western Regional Final for the fifth time in six years. Photo courtesy of Faith Broome/Contributing Photographer

'To be the man ...'

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 30, 2023
* 1A Western Regional Finals preview Robbinsville – Following the 44-14 dismantling of North Rowan in the fourth round of the state playoffs Friday, it would be easy to let success force a fanbase to become stagnant.
With nothing but open real estate in front of him, Robbinsville senior Cuttler Adams glances over at North Rowan’s Jarmais Morrow en route to a huge gain Friday against the Cavaliers. Adams set another rushing record in the game, while also tallying four touchdowns in the fourth round of the postseason. Photo courtesy of Faith Broome/Contributing Photographer

With nothing but open real estate in front of him, Robbinsville senior Cuttler Adams glances over at North Rowan’s Jarmais Morrow en route to a huge gain Friday against the Cavaliers. Adams set another rushing record in the game, while also tallying four touchdowns in the fourth round of the postseason. Photo courtesy of Faith Broome/Contributing Photographer

Rollin’ over Rowan

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 30, 2023
The box score from Robbinsville's fourth-round playoff victory over North Rowan on Nov. 24, 2023. Robbinsville – There is 223 miles of highway between Robbinsville and Spencer, the home of North Rowan High School.

Knights trounce Cavaliers to reach Western finals

Kevin Hensley
Friday, November 24, 2023
Robbinsville - The Black Knights made it look easy Friday night, steamrolling the visiting North Rowan Cavaliers 44-14 to ensure another trip to the Western finals. Robbinsville (No. 1, 13-1) outclassed North Rowan (No. 4, 11-3) on the ground, 459 yards to -44 from the Cavs.
The reaction milliseconds after Daphne Barlow roped a long-range prayer through the net to lift Robbinsville past Andrews on Nov. 16 varied, depending on which side of the scorer’s table fans were seated on. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The reaction milliseconds after Daphne Barlow roped a long-range prayer through the net to lift Robbinsville past Andrews on Nov. 16 varied, depending on which side of the scorer’s table fans were seated on. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Wing and prayer

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Andrews – With 5.2 seconds left, Drea Cutshaw posted a layup. The shot gave the Lady Wildcats a 28-27 advantage in the waning moments of Nov. 16’s back-and-forth tussle against Robbinsville; a game which the Lady Knights led 6-3 before Andrews went on a 12-2 run before halftime to pull ahead.

Knights win Dekota Smith Invitational

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Hudson – If the opening week for Robbinsville’s varsity wrestling program is any indication of what’s to come, opponents can instead anticipate looking at the lights when the ref slaps the mat.
Senior quarterback Donovan Carpenter gives instruction to the Robbinsville Black Knights’ offense prior to a first-half play in the third round of the 1A state playoffs Friday against Swain County. Carpenter heavily credited the perseverance of the Knights in the 30-24 win to the program’s main theme this year: “brotherhood.” Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Senior quarterback Donovan Carpenter gives instruction to the Robbinsville Black Knights’ offense prior to a first-half play in the third round of the 1A state playoffs Friday against Swain County. Carpenter heavily credited the perseverance of the Knights in the 30-24 win to the program’s main theme this year: “brotherhood.” Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Brotherhood

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Robbinsville – What. A. Comeback. The Black Knights could have easily thrown in the towel after Swain County punched ahead 24-8 in the third round of the 1A state playoffs Friday. The Maroon Devils never led in the Smoky Mountain Conference title game Oct.
Chase Calhoun (2), Quinn Jumper (12) and Kellen Ensley drop Swain County's Joshua Collins for a loss during Robbinsville's 30-24, third-round playoff victory Friday. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Chase Calhoun (2), Quinn Jumper (12) and Kellen Ensley drop Swain County's Joshua Collins for a loss during Robbinsville's 30-24, third-round playoff victory Friday. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Shout at the Devils

Kevin Hensley
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Robbinsville – What. A. Comeback. The Black Knights could have easily thrown in the towel after Swain County punched ahead 24-8 in the third round of the 1A state playoffs Friday. The Maroon Devils never led in the Smoky Mountain Conference title game Oct.