Sports

Stayin’ alive

Kevin Hensley
Monday, January 18, 2021
Bryson City – For the second straight week, the Robbinsville cross country team traveled to Kituwah Mound. For the third straight week, the Knights will return to the course. Following a solid performance at the Jan.
Brock Adams races past Hayesville's Brady Shook on a fast break during Friday's 60-56 loss to the Jackets. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Brock Adams races past Hayesville's Brady Shook on a fast break during Friday's 60-56 loss to the Jackets. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Too little, too late

Kevin Hensley
Monday, January 18, 2021
For much of the fourth quarter Friday night, Robbinsville seemed destined to complete a comeback.
Kylie Farley, Ivy Odom, Delaney Brooms, Tai Owle, Kelsey Waldroup and Abbi Sawyer (from left) celebrate a Sawyer ace during Jan. 7's season finale at Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kylie Farley, Ivy Odom, Delaney Brooms, Tai Owle, Kelsey Waldroup and Abbi Sawyer (from left) celebrate a Sawyer ace during Jan. 7's season finale at Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

End of the road

Kevin Hensley
Monday, January 18, 2021
Murphy – Instead of preparing for a playoff game, Robbinsville is saying goodbye to its 2020-21 volleyball season. For the first time since 2011, the Lady Knights (10-4, 8-4) will not be participating in the postseason, as the N.C.
Lady Knights’ basketball players Desta Trammell, Gabby Hooper, Lina Pagan, Kensley Phillips, Halee Anderson, Dallas Garrett, Zoie Shuler, Aubrie Wachacha, Linsey Orr, Karcee Dooley and Yeika Jimenez – as well as head coach Lucas Ford and assistant coaches Kadey Phillips and Eddie Howell (from left) – line up for the playing of the national anthem before the Jan. 5 season opener against Rosman. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights’ basketball players Desta Trammell, Gabby Hooper, Lina Pagan, Kensley Phillips, Halee Anderson, Dallas Garrett, Zoie Shuler, Aubrie Wachacha, Linsey Orr, Karcee Dooley and Yeika Jimenez – as well as head coach Lucas Ford and assistant coaches Kadey Phillips and Eddie Howell (from left) – line up for the playing of the national anthem before the Jan. 5 season opener against Rosman. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

COVID shuts down Lady Knights

Kevin Hensley
Monday, January 18, 2021
Robbinsville – It was just a matter of time before the global pandemic affected local sports. Following the Jan. 5 home season opener with Rosman, a player for the Lady Tigers tested positive for COVID-19. The athlete also had a mask exemption and logged considerable minutes in the contest.
Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sweeps week

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 7, 2021
It’s crunch time for the Robbinsville Lady Knights.
Yeika Jimenez launches for a hit past a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday’s road conference match. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Yeika Jimenez launches for a hit past a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday’s road conference match. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights chasing wild card playoff seed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Rosman – A chance for redemption awaited Robbinsville. But so much more was on the line.
Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knocking off the rust

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 28, 2020
Hiwassee Dam – If Saturday was any indication, Robbinsville basketball looks primed to move into the upper echelon of competition in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Graham County’s contribution to the division bused both varsity squads to Hiwassee Dam for a preseason scrimmage against the Eagles.

Eyes on the prize

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 28, 2020
Nantahala – In pre-COVID times, a 2-loss volleyball team from the Smoky Mountain Conference was all but guaranteed a spot in the 1A state playoffs. However, as the virus has altered the way high school athletics are being conducted this year, that guarantee has been kissed goodbye.

Rosman could leave Smoky Mountain Conference

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Raleigh – It appears that the geographical oddity of the Smoky Mountain Conference could soon be moving. The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the first draft of its 2021-25 Conference Realignment Plan on Dec. 10.