Sports

Prior to Tuesday’s season finale, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade softball players: Liz Carpenter, Keilee Pressley, Claire Barlow, Bailie Conley, Lakelyn Eller, Abby Adams and Olivia Stewart (from left). Photo courtesy of Anna Stewart

Prior to Tuesday’s season finale, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade softball players: Liz Carpenter, Keilee Pressley, Claire Barlow, Bailie Conley, Lakelyn Eller, Abby Adams and Olivia Stewart (from left). Photo courtesy of Anna Stewart

Ending in the win column

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Robbinsville – In the final action of the shortened season, Robbinsville Middle School’s softball team welcomed Cherokee, Hayesville and Rosman.
Kensley Phillips takes a cut during a preseason scrimmage against T.C. Roberson on March 11. Along with Memory Frapp, Phillips had a 3-RBI game at Hayesville on Tuesday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Kensley Phillips takes a cut during a preseason scrimmage against T.C. Roberson on March 11. Along with Memory Frapp, Phillips had a 3-RBI game at Hayesville on Tuesday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

2nd time through the order

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Cherokee – The first leg of a 3-game road trip started on the right foot. The Robbinsville Lady Knights (5-1, 5-1) traveled to Cherokee on Friday and in five innings, disposed of the Lady Braves (2-3, 2-3) in an 11-0 rout.
Lex Hooper stretches for one of four touchdowns in Friday’s shutout victory in Andrews. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Lex Hooper stretches for one of four touchdowns in Friday’s shutout victory in Andrews. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Six down, one to go

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Andrews – A distinctive buzz lingered over Friday’s Smoky Mountain Conference match-up between Robbinsville and Andrews.
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.