Robbinsville

Robbinsville senior Desta Trammell launches an outside shot Monday at Highlands. Trammell hit a pair of 3-pointers in the Lady Knights’ loss to the Lady Highlanders. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Desta Trammell launches an outside shot Monday at Highlands. Trammell hit a pair of 3-pointers in the Lady Knights’ loss to the Lady Highlanders. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Too little, too late

Highlands – To begin Monday’s road game, seniors Desta Trammell and Kensley Phillips hit respective 2- and 3-point shots, to give Robbinsville the opening salvo. From there, Highlands proved to be rude hosts.
Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program gather with the 2023 James Orr Memorial  Invitational runner-up trophy, clinched after hosting their signature tournament Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville wrestling program gather with the 2023 James Orr Memorial Invitational runner-up trophy, clinched after hosting their signature tournament Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The show must go on

Robbinsville – Things did not go exactly to plan. The 2023 James Orr Memorial Invitational is normally a massive, daylong tournament, drawing programs from around the tri-state area to Graham County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters emerges from pandemic

Robbinsville – In Graham County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has been in a COVID-19-induced hibernation over the past couple of years. But that’s coming to an end. The organization has a new Graham County program coordinator for the first time in a number of years.

Health board meeting short, contentious

Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners summoned the Graham County Health Advisory Board for a special meeting on Jan. 10, but it didn’t go quite like expected and lasted around five minutes.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Congressman visits new middle school wing

Robbinsville – Freshman U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards spent part of Day 2 of his first tour of his sprawling 17-county congressional district with a visit to Robbinsville Middle School on Tuesday.
Robbinsville’s Eli Lambert (12) splits a pair of Maroon-Devil defenders during the Black Knights’ win over Swain County on Jan. 5. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Eli Lambert (12) splits a pair of Maroon-Devil defenders during the Black Knights’ win over Swain County on Jan. 5. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school hoops splits final slate

Lady Knight Chloe Adams pulls away from a Swain County defender for a second-half transition basket Jan. 5. Robbinsville – Both of Graham County’s middle school basketball programs kickstarted 2023 with a bang, overcoming tight deficits to pick up a pair of home victories.
After one of his nine steals, junior shooting guard Xander Wachacha weaves between the defense of Pisgah’s Sawyer Belue (3) and Aaron Clark (back) during  Monday’s loss to the Black Bears. Wachacha had 20 points in the game, 10 of which came in transition. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

After one of his nine steals, junior shooting guard Xander Wachacha weaves between the defense of Pisgah’s Sawyer Belue (3) and Aaron Clark (back) during Monday’s loss to the Black Bears. Wachacha had 20 points in the game, 10 of which came in transition. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Boys’ lead slips away late, rally bid falls short

Canton – The Black Knights pulled away from an early 4-4 knot and led until the fourth quarter. But the spirited effort was not enough. Coming off a tough 63-53 loss at Cocke County, Tenn.
Junior Aubrie Wachacha eyes a second-quarter basket Monday at Pisgah. Robbinsville’s center had 13 points against Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Junior Aubrie Wachacha eyes a second-quarter basket Monday at Pisgah. Robbinsville’s center had 13 points against Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville cannot thwart sharp shooters

Newport, Tenn. – Coming off head coach Lucas Ford’s 100th win Jan. 3, the Lady Knights embarked on a pair of long road trips for non-conference action. Robbinsville (9-4) admittedly had a tough draw, facing a pair of 3A powerhouses in Cocke County, Tenn., on Friday and Pisgah on Monday.
Members of the Robbinsville High School gather around the championship plaque the Black Knights  collected Saturday, after going 5-0 and winning the Enka Duals in Candler. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Members of the Robbinsville High School gather around the championship plaque the Black Knights collected Saturday, after going 5-0 and winning the Enka Duals in Candler. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Wrestling

Check the trophy case

Candler – If the trend continues, they might have to re-name the famed “Jet Hanger” at Enka High School, “Robbinsville’s House.” For the third time this year, the Black Knights traveled to suburban Asheville on Saturday. The task ahead?