Sports

Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program pose with the 2021 Devil Duals trophy, after the Knights conquered the field Dec. 22. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The ‘Ville: not paid by the hour

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Bryson City – It was just another day at the office for the Black Knights. Robbinsville (10-1) buzzed through Franklin, Madison, Hayesville, Enka and the hosting Swain County Maroon Devils at the annual Devil Duals on Dec. 22, collecting their third trophy in as many weeks.

Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program pose with the 2021 Great Smoky Mountain Grapple tournament championship after Saturday's triumph in Asheville. The Knights have won two tournaments in a row. Photo courtesy of Susan Crowe/Contributing Photographer

Peak performance

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Asheville – Whether it be in a dual format or a team tournament, Robbinsville is dangerous. The Knights continued to decorate their 2021-22 season Friday and Saturday, competing in the Great Smoky Mountain Grapple at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center.

Members of the Robbinsville Middle School wrestling program celebrate the Knights’ 2021-22 Smoky Mountain Conference tournament championship, after the team clinched the crown Dec. 15 at Swain County. Photo courtesy of Crystal Hooper/Contributing Photographer

Kings of the hill

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Bryson City – It has been a most-interesting season for the Robbinsville Middle School wrestling team.

Lady Knights senior Halee Anderson makes a hard cut past the defense of Murphy’s Lailee Holloway during Tuesday’s road game. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Second-half woes

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Murphy – It certainly wasn’t the outcome the Lady Knights were hoping for.

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights erupt in celebration at the final buzzer Tuesday, which cemented a 68-64 Robbinsville victory at Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights win dogfight

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Murphy – In a game that literally came right down to the wire, Robbinsville came out on top. In the final 30 seconds of Tuesday’s varsity-boys clash at Murphy, Donovan Carpenter, Xander Wachacha and Brock Adams each hit key baskets that helped hold off the Bulldogs in a thrilling 68-64 victory.

Robbinsville’s Xander Wachacha launches one of his three, late buckets from outside the arc Friday against Smoky Mountain. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Mad scramble falls short

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Robbinsville – It is often stated that the final score does not always tell the whole story. For the Robbinsville Black Knights, Friday’s 70-64 loss to the Smoky Mountain Mustangs contains many layers – namely, a 32-point fourth quarter, after trailing 34-20 at halftime.

Carlos Wesley (56) receives some recognition from Zeke Silvers (1) during Robbinsville’s first-round playoff game against Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy on Nov. 5. Wesley was named the Smoky Mountain Conference Player of the Year. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Wesley named Lineman of the Year

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Robbinsville – After making such a name for himself over his varsity career, it was long overdue for Carlos Wesley to get the recognition he deserved.

Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program pause after winning the 2021 Falcon Frenzy in Hendersonville. Photo courtesy of Susan Crowe

Knights prevail at Falcon Frenzy

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Hendersonville – It might have taken 17 trips to get it right, but all that matters is that Robbinsville got it right. The Black Knights made their traditional trek to West Henderson on Friday and Saturday for the Falcon Frenzy.

Lady Knights off to 3-0 start

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Robbinsville – Anytime an opponent catches Robbinsville’s name on its schedule, chances are they are in for a long night. Such was the case for the 3A Smoky Mountain Lady Mustangs, who rolled into Graham County on Friday and quickly found themselves in a 12-0 hole.

Robbinsville’s Logan Hyde has Murphy’s Sam Kessler hooked for a near-fall during Monday’s dual with the Bulldogs. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

2 duals, 2 wins

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Robbinsville – Even when faced with an early adversity, the Knights refuse to stay down for the count. In its toughest dual of the season, Robbinsville (4-0) welcomed the Enka Jets on Saturday, and though the Knights triumphed 53-19, things did not look promising in the beginning.