Robbinsville

Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up  Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Friday

Murphy – The Black Knights and the Bulldogs meeting for postseason supremacy is almost a rite of passage at this point.  In fact, both the 2018 and 2020 Western Regional title games were contested between the two Smoky Mountain Conference foes; in 2021, they met in the Elite 8.
Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Sunny Days are here again

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools’ Mental Health Liaison Sunny Jenkins is known by students and faculty for her friendliness, willingness to help and love for all children.
Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

More 'Dirty Laundry' aired out

Kmart might have shuttered all of its continental stores in the United States, but the spirit of the “blue-light special” lives on. A convoy of authorities from multiple agencies rolled into Graham County just after 8 a.m., Nov.
Loxston Hooper recorded career win No. 100 during Saturday’s Trojan Duals. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Loxston Hooper recorded career win No. 100 during Saturday’s Trojan Duals. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Hooper wins 100th

Loxston Hooper’s joined Robbinsville’s growing lineage of 100-win grapplers Saturday.
Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Lady Knights back to .500

Robbinsville – The first quarter of Nov. 21’s home game was shaky, but the Lady Knights led 8-6 nonetheless. The second period? An 18-3 drubbing – advantage, Robbinsville.

Knights to remain 1A

Chapel Hill – After a lengthy period of conjecture, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has finally revealed its plans for the upcoming 2025-29 re-alignment. Confirmed Nov.
Senior quarterback Bryce Adams finds an opening during Nov. 15’s first-round playoff game against Thomasville. Adams rushed for three touchdowns in the second round Friday, leading the Black Knights past Bessemer City. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Senior quarterback Bryce Adams finds an opening during Nov. 15’s first-round playoff game against Thomasville. Adams rushed for three touchdowns in the second round Friday, leading the Black Knights past Bessemer City. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Suffocating swarm

Bessemer City – All the buzz around Robbinsville’s football season reaching its conclusion suddenly quietened when news emerged from suburban Charlotte of Friday’s outcome. After pulling back above .
The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Dirty Laundry'

A nearly 11-month, undercover investigation culminated Friday with the execution of search warrants at a total of 10 different locations across three counties and two states.
Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taking on all comers

The Black Knights have dove right into the deep end of the talent pool during their first official week of matches this year. Hosting a tri-match with Franklin and McDowell on Nov. 12, Robbinsville knocked off the Panthers 54-24 and the Titans 46-21.
Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Middle school Lady Knights back in win column

The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights shook off back-to-back losses Nov. 14, upending the visiting Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Lady Eagles 49-35.  Robbinsville (2-3) ran away with the game by opening up a 24-6 lead at the outset of the second quarter.