Robbinsville

Senior running back Lex Hooper (20) pumps up his teammates during Friday’s first-round playoff matchup against Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. Robbinsville would edge the Phoenix 42-40 for a wild double-overtime victory. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Senior running back Lex Hooper (20) pumps up his teammates during Friday’s first-round playoff matchup against Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. Robbinsville would edge the Phoenix 42-40 for a wild double-overtime victory. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Like a Phoenix, we will rise

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 23, 2021
Robbinsville – Plenty of adjectives exist, but “resilient” should be on the tip of your tongue. It took two free quarters of football and an immeasurable amount of tenacity, but the No. 2-seeded Robbinsville Black Knights (8-0) outlasted the No.
Alexis Panama (24) evades a Swain defender during a carry in April 1’s game. Panama was named the Robbinsville Black Knights junior varsity MVP after April 8’s road finale at Rosman, which saw Robbinsville clinch a share of the Smoky Mountain Conference title. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Alexis Panama (24) evades a Swain defender during a carry in April 1’s game. Panama was named the Robbinsville Black Knights junior varsity MVP after April 8’s road finale at Rosman, which saw Robbinsville clinch a share of the Smoky Mountain Conference title. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

The future is bright

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Rosman – For the first time since 2013, Robbinsville sits atop the Smoky Mountain Conference junior varsity football standings. The Black Knights (5-1) finished the year by disposing of the Rosman Tigers in a 54-0 road triumph on April 8, securing a share of the division crown with Murphy.
With her teammates celebrating in the dugout, Ivy Odom turns the third-base bag after hitting a 2-run homer during Tuesday’s 11-6 victory over Murphy. The win put Robbinsville in a first-place tie atop the Smoky Mountain Conference standings. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

With her teammates celebrating in the dugout, Ivy Odom turns the third-base bag after hitting a 2-run homer during Tuesday’s 11-6 victory over Murphy. The win put Robbinsville in a first-place tie atop the Smoky Mountain Conference standings. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Things are all knotted up

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Robbinsville – Anyone who expected another slugfest between Robbinsville and Murphy on Tuesday were left disappointed.  That is, unless you’re a Lady Knights fan.
Black Knights head coach Dee Walsh (right) greets his team to celebrate clinching the Smoky Mountain Conference championship after defeating Murphy 17-7 on Friday. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Black Knights head coach Dee Walsh (right) greets his team to celebrate clinching the Smoky Mountain Conference championship after defeating Murphy 17-7 on Friday. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Knights of the round table

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Robbinsville – How appropriate that the Smoky Mountain Conference title game once again came down to Robbinsville and Murphy. Obviously no strangers to each other, the Black Knights (7-0, 6-0) and the Bulldogs (6-1, 5-1) met in the divisional title game in 2019, which Robbinsville won 17-14.

Against all odds

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Bryson City – Seven hours before kickoff, the junior varsity Black Knights found out their home finale had been switched to Swain County – a move necessitated by poor field conditions, spurned by heavy rainfall. And at halftime, Robbinsville had not scored.
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.

Charles Hooper

News Staff
Friday, April 9, 2021
Charles Hooper, 69 of Robbinsville and beloved husband, father and grandfather, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, March 30, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.

Effie Sherrill

News Staff
Friday, April 9, 2021
Effie Garland Sherrill, 99 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Robbinsville, N.C. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Dave and Mary Williams Garland.