Sports

Teammates mob Robbinsville Middle School's Mercy Nelms (center) on Dec. 4, moments after Nelms hit a three-pointer at the final buzzer to cement a 42-34 home victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle schoolers sweep opposition

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Robbinsville – Things are clicking at the right time for the middle school basketball program.

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for the final home, post-game chat of the 2025 season Nov. 28, moments after clinching the 1A Western Regional title on Bob Colvin Field at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights vie for 16th championship

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

* 1A state title game preview Chapel Hill – By the time many of you open your mailbox, Robbinsville's state-championship fate will have already been determined.

Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison soars past a Cherokee defender Nov. 17. Allison hit a game-winning lay-up for Robbinsville on Monday at Hayesville. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school boys hit winning streak

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 5, 2025

It took some last-second heroics, but the middle school Black Knights were able to swat the Yellow Jackets. After dropping the season opener 46-21 to Hayesville on Nov. 3, Robbinsville (6-2) found itself in a nailbiter in the return showdown Monday.

Black Knights senior Dane Knott unleashed six 3's on the Copper Basin (Tenn.) Cougars in Monday's season opener, which played a key role in Robbinsville collecting a victory. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights tame Cougars in season debut

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 5, 2025

Copperhill, Tenn. – If Monday's season opener is any indication of what lies ahead, the Robbinsville Black Knights are going to be a team to watch at a statewide level this season.

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather in the middle of Bob Colvin Field on Friday, moments after defeating South Davidson to capture the program's 14th 1A Western Regional championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville heading back to the ‘ship

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 5, 2025

The box score from Nov. 28, 2025's 1A Western Regional championship game between South Davidson and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – One week from today, the Black Knights will be playing for a 16th state championship.

Kyzik Teesateskie’s first-quarter catch Friday was one that will be discussed for years to come. The only pass thrown to the senior was snagged behind the helmet of East Columbus cornerback Gabriel Green and quickly resulted in a 34-yard scoring reception. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Gator haters

Kevin Hensley

Friday, November 28, 2025

The box score from Nov. 21, 2025's game between East Columbus and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – In a performance that was eerily similar to their playoff opener Nov. 14, the Black Knights dictated the pace of Friday's third-round postseason showdown from the word "go." Hosting East Columbus (No.

Middle school hoops plucks Eagles

Kevin Hensley

Friday, November 21, 2025

Hiwassee Dam – After loading up the bus and inputting coordinates for the westernmost school in North Carolina on Nov. 13, Graham County's middle school basketball program took care of business in decisive fashion.

Robbinsville’s Isiac Collins (7) dismisses the defensive effort of Andrews’ Isaac Vaught on a third-quarter rushing attempt during Friday’s second-round playoff game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Total annihilation

Kevin Hensley

Friday, November 21, 2025

The box score from Nov. 14, 2025's game between Andrews and Robbinsville.

Micah York had a breakout performance Tuesday against Murphy, dropping 22 points in Robbinsville’s lopsided victory over the Bulldogs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school Knights claim back-to-back wins

Kevin Hensley

Friday, November 14, 2025

Robbinsville – After submitting a shaky showing in its season debut Nov. 3, the middle school Black Knights have more than made up for its initial foray into the 2025-26 slate. Consecutive wins from Robbinsville (2-1) included a delayed 50-23 home trouncing of the Murphy Bulldogs on Tuesday.

Chloe Adams, Sophomore Middle Hitter: All-Conference

Lady Knights trio named All-Conference

Kevin Hensley

Friday, November 14, 2025

The Lady Knights were the final Smoky Mountain Conference team to be eliminated from the postseason this year, reaching the fourth round for just the second time in program history before falling in a sweep to state finalists N.C. Leadership Academy.