Sports

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.

Clash of the Champions

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Robbinsville – Fresh off a four-set, comeback victory at Swain County on Dec. 4, the Lady Knights seemed to have all the momentum needed to prevail.
Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

All they do is win, win, win

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Robbinsville – Home course advantage aside, the Black Knights’ varsity performance at the Currahee Classic turned heads across the Smoky Mountain Conference.

Eight’s a crowd

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Raleigh – In a move that has sparked both outcry and praise, the look of the 2021 state football playoffs will change significantly. Following the conclusion of its 2020 Board of Directors’ winter meeting last week, the N.C.

Net worth

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Bryson City – When adversity displayed on the line, Robbinsville answered the call. For only the second time this season, the Lady Knights (5-1, 4-1) were pushed to four sets in a crucial Smoky Mountain Conference showdown Friday night.

Making great strides

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Hayesville – A third-place individual finish in one race and four top-10 placers in another. The Robbinsville cross country program ventured to Clay County for the Smoky Mountain Conference opener Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Locked and loaded

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Robbinsville – Any sign of on-court rust or a lack of cohesiveness in the season debut against Rosman was quickly eliminated. Following a 4-set loss to the Lady Tigers in the Smoky Mountain Conference opener Nov.