Sports

With Luke Lovin serving as placeholder, Robbinsville’s Zander Lucksavage prepares to boot what proved to be the game-winning field goal Friday against Swain County. Lucksavage split the uprights as the final buzzer sounded at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

With Luke Lovin serving as placeholder, Robbinsville’s Zander Lucksavage prepares to boot what proved to be the game-winning field goal Friday against Swain County. Lucksavage split the uprights as the final buzzer sounded at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

He’s got Luck on his side

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The box score from Oct. 3, 2025's game between Swain County and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – On a night where seniors were recognized and those who paved the way were honored, Zander Lucksavage made his own footnote in Black Knights’ football lure.
Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights drop conference matches

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Jayden Chekelelee sets the ball during Sept. 25’s JV match at Murphy. Robbinsville – As teams in the Smoky Mountain Conference jockey for a playoff spot, the Lady Knights recently dropped a pair of pivotal matches in the race. A visit to Murphy on Sept.
Isiac Collins (7) prepares to enter a scrum during Friday's homecoming game. Collins rushed for 142 yards in Robbinsville's blowout victory over Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Isiac Collins (7) prepares to enter a scrum during Friday's homecoming game. Collins rushed for 142 yards in Robbinsville's blowout victory over Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Here, kitty kitty

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 2, 2025
The box score from Sept. 26, 2025's game between Andrews and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – Complete domination.
Kynadee Spencer saves the ball from dropping on the outside during Tuesday’s home match against Andrews. Poised to get things back on-track for Robbinsville are Izabel Haney (10), Ryn Hooper (8) and Chloe Adams (12). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Kynadee Spencer saves the ball from dropping on the outside during Tuesday’s home match against Andrews. Poised to get things back on-track for Robbinsville are Izabel Haney (10), Ryn Hooper (8) and Chloe Adams (12). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights on winning streak

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Robbinsville – Opponents are having a difficult time solving the riddle that is Lady Knights volleyball at the moment.
As Kellen Ensley (54) signals in the background, Robbinsville's Kyzik Teesateskie prepares to toss the ball to an official after completing the hat trick during Friday's divisional opener against Hayesville. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

As Kellen Ensley (54) signals in the background, Robbinsville's Kyzik Teesateskie prepares to toss the ball to an official after completing the hat trick during Friday's divisional opener against Hayesville. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Jackets unable to withstand Knights 'swarm'

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 25, 2025
The box score from Sept. 19, 2025's game between Hayesville and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – It took until the latter stages of the third quarter for Friday's Smoky Mountain Conference opener for the score to resemble that of a football game.
Zaelyn Phillips swats the ball over a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday's four-set victory over the Lady Tigers. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Zaelyn Phillips swats the ball over a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday's four-set victory over the Lady Tigers. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights snap 5-match losing streak

Kevin Hensley
Friday, September 19, 2025
Robbinsville – Following a tough slate, the Lady Knights reaped all the benefits of returning back home Tuesday.
Devin Burchfield intercepts a Rosman pass during the Sept. 11 JV football game. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Devin Burchfield intercepts a Rosman pass during the Sept. 11 JV football game. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

JVs tame Tigers

Kevin Hensley
Friday, September 19, 2025
Robbinsville – Opening the Smoky Mountain Conference portion of their season with a loss is not something the junior varsity Black Knights are accustomed to. However, the Sept.
Kyzik Teesateskie (5) flashes a smile at Cameron Allison after scoring his second rushing touchdown Friday night against Mitchell. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Kyzik Teesateskie (5) flashes a smile at Cameron Allison after scoring his second rushing touchdown Friday night against Mitchell. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

'You get a pick, and you get a pick …’

Kevin Hensley
Friday, September 19, 2025
The box score from Sept. 12, 2025's game between Mitchell and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – Between five interceptions, a pair of rushing touchdowns from two different players and the hosts netting almost 400 total offensive yards, the Mitchell Mountaineers never stood a chance.
Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights hampered by 3-match skid

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Robbinsville – Tough opposition has given the Lady Knights fits over the past week. A visit to Swain County on Sept.
Cameron Allison reels in a one-handed reception for a big gain during Friday’s game at Mountain Heritage. Allison finished the night with 139 receiving yards. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Cameron Allison reels in a one-handed reception for a big gain during Friday’s game at Mountain Heritage. Allison finished the night with 139 receiving yards. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights clawed by strong Cougars attack

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The box score from Sept. 5, 2025's game between Robbinsville and Mountain Heritage. Burnsville – The first 15 minutes of Friday's scrum between Robbinsville and Mountain Heritage lived up to the billing: the No. 2-ranked team in 2A (the Cougars) battled for every yard, as did the No.