Sports

There was little Hayesville’s Adam Cook (5) could do to slow down the progress of Robbinsville’s Isaac Picon during the junior varsity Knights’ 68-0 win over the Yellow Jackets on March 24. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

There was little Hayesville’s Adam Cook (5) could do to slow down the progress of Robbinsville’s Isaac Picon during the junior varsity Knights’ 68-0 win over the Yellow Jackets on March 24. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Long-lasting home defense

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Robbinsville – Any reservations about playing on a day’s rest were quickly swatted away. The junior varsity Black Knights (3-1) struck early and often in their second game in three days March 24, pummeling the visiting Hayesville Yellow Jackets 68-0.

Swing, batter batter

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Rosman – Rain has forced several schedule changes, but it has done little to dampen the spirits of the Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights.
Lady Knights freshman Memory Frapp puts a charge into the ball during Monday’s road game at Murphy. The connection resulted in a double. Photo by Noah Shatzer/Cherokee Scout

Lady Knights freshman Memory Frapp puts a charge into the ball during Monday’s road game at Murphy. The connection resulted in a double. Photo by Noah Shatzer/Cherokee Scout

Clash of the titans

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Murphy – In a game that featured two teams combining for 24 runs, 26 hits, 27 runners left on-base, 16 walks and six errors, something had to give. Unfortunately for the Robbinsville Lady Knights, that something was their first loss of the season.
Wade Hamilton (10) stretches to recover Carson Taylor’s fumble in the end zone, during the first quarter of Friday’s road game at Swain County. The recovery set off a 38-point first half for Robbinsville, en route to a resounding victory over the Devils. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Wade Hamilton (10) stretches to recover Carson Taylor’s fumble in the end zone, during the first quarter of Friday’s road game at Swain County. The recovery set off a 38-point first half for Robbinsville, en route to a resounding victory over the Devils. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

They just kept scoring and scoring ...

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Bryson City – What started as an even tilt quickly spiraled into a lopsided affair.

Fancy Feast

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – In a season full of ultra-rarities, a Monday afternoon junior varsity football game in the spring might take the cake. But in the face of the unusual hand they were dealt, the Robbinsville Black Knights laid down a royal flush.
The Lady Knights’ varsity cheerleaders perform their virtual, state routine Sunday at Robbinsville High School. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Lady Knights’ varsity cheerleaders perform their virtual, state routine Sunday at Robbinsville High School. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

They’ve got spirit; how about you?

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – What would normally be prepped for with weeks – even months – of preparation instead occurred after just two practices. Welcome to the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches Association’s yearly competition, in the COVID-19 era.

Shining brighter than the diamond

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – It’s been a while. But after 22 months without playing an official game on its home field, the Robbinsville varsity softball program has finally gotten back on the diamond. “I’m so thankful for every day that we get to be out here,” said Lady Knights head coach Billy Knight.
Black Knights quarterback Nathan Collins (5) leaves Cherokee’s Chase Calhoun (8) in the dust during Saturday’s home game against the Braves. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in Robbinsville’s 35-14 victory. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Black Knights quarterback Nathan Collins (5) leaves Cherokee’s Chase Calhoun (8) in the dust during Saturday’s home game against the Braves. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in Robbinsville’s 35-14 victory. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Saturday Knight delight

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – Line the opposition up, and Robbinsville keeps taking them down. The Black Knights (4-0, 3-0) shut out the Cherokee Braves (1-3, 1-3) for the entire first half of a special Saturday showcase, compiling another convincing win in the process, 35-14.
Lady Knights sophomore point guard Desta Trammell sprints toward the basket on a fast break during the Feb. 9 triple-overtime victory against Cherokee. Trammell was just named the 2020-21 Big Smoky Mountain Conference Girls Player of the Year. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights sophomore point guard Desta Trammell sprints toward the basket on a fast break during the Feb. 9 triple-overtime victory against Cherokee. Trammell was just named the 2020-21 Big Smoky Mountain Conference Girls Player of the Year. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pursuing her Destanee

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Robbinsville – Take one look at Desta Trammell and it would be easy to dismiss her talent. Basketball is in her blood, but the Robbinsville Lady Knights’ 5-foot-2 sophomore point guard is hardly someone to look past when scanning the roster.
Linemen Candler Edwards (50) and Carlos Wesley (56) create an opening for running back Lex Hooper during Friday’s home game against Erwin. Hooper had three touchdowns in the first half. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Linemen Candler Edwards (50) and Carlos Wesley (56) create an opening for running back Lex Hooper during Friday’s home game against Erwin. Hooper had three touchdowns in the first half. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Ground and pound

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Robbinsville – The Black Knights carried the ball 52 times Friday night. Erwin passed it 39. In the end, Robbinsville’s run game proved to be the difference maker, as the Knights (3-0, 2-0) held off a second-half push from the visiting Warriors (1-2) to pick up a 35-28 win on homecoming night.