Robbinsville

EcoKing Solutions Chairman Ping Zhang heartedly addresses those on-hand for July 22's press conference at the Graham County Community Building, where it was revealed that the China-based manufacturer will create 300 new jobs in the region during its first phase of operations in Robbinsville. At Zhang's left is EcoKing Solutions Vice President John Lin. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

EcoKing Solutions Chairman Ping Zhang heartedly addresses those on-hand for July 22's press conference at the Graham County Community Building, where it was revealed that the China-based manufacturer will create 300 new jobs in the region during its first phase of operations in Robbinsville. At Zhang's left is EcoKing Solutions Vice President John Lin. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Top stories of 2025

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
From devastating weather events to life-altering judicial decisions; positive economic announcements to another solid presentation in local athletics; the year 2025 in Graham County was chronicled thoroughly within the pages of your hometown newspaper.

Hooper, Panama win Grapple

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 26, 2025
Facing schools from across the Southeast, two Robbinsville wrestlers proved they were in a class of their own. The Great Smoky Mountain Grapple is an annual, two-day attraction at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville.
In-between games Dec. 18, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade basketball players. From left are Lady Knights Parklyn Anderson, Calin Gladden, Lakin Orr and Black Knights Kamden Driver, Brayden Allison, David Guzman, Landon Silvers, Carsan Snider, Micah York, Jaxon Blundell and Channing Jones.

In-between games Dec. 18, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade basketball players. From left are Lady Knights Parklyn Anderson, Calin Gladden, Lakin Orr and Black Knights Kamden Driver, Brayden Allison, David Guzman, Landon Silvers, Carsan Snider, Micah York, Jaxon Blundell and Channing Jones.

Middle school boys trounce Eagles, Wildcats

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 26, 2025
Robbinsville Middle School's boys closed out the home portion of their season on a high note. In a pair of games – where the outcomes were never in doubt – the 10-3 Black Knights routed Hiwassee Dam 64-44 in a make-up contest Dec.

Jan. 16 deemed 'Ronnie Milsap Day'

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 26, 2025
Robbinsville – Graham County's most famous son will soon add another historic piece of recognition to his long-standing legacy. Commissioner Connie Orr presented a proclamation at Dec. 16's board meeting to declare Jan. 16 as "Ronnie Milsap Day.
Brooklyn Lester speaks to the Lady Knights during a timeout at Copper Basin on Dec. 1. Robbinsville’s new varsity girls head coach has dove into the role with purpose, hoping to restore the program as a centerpiece in the community. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Brooklyn Lester speaks to the Lady Knights during a timeout at Copper Basin on Dec. 1. Robbinsville’s new varsity girls head coach has dove into the role with purpose, hoping to restore the program as a centerpiece in the community. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lester begins new role as Lady Knights coach

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 19, 2025
Robbinsville – Just when the search for a new Robbinsville girls basketball coach appeared to be closed, the job suddenly became open yet again.
Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights fight back tears of disappointment Dec. 11, after being handed the 1A state runner-up trophy following a 9-8 loss in the championship game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. From left are Kyzik Teesateskie, Luke Lovin, Ryelon Waldroup, John Dominguez, Dane Daniels, head coach Lucas Ford, Kellen Ensley, Isiac Collins and Kasen Buchanan. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights fight back tears of disappointment Dec. 11, after being handed the 1A state runner-up trophy following a 9-8 loss in the championship game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. From left are Kyzik Teesateskie, Luke Lovin, Ryelon Waldroup, John Dominguez, Dane Daniels, head coach Lucas Ford, Kellen Ensley, Isiac Collins and Kasen Buchanan. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights fall in state title game

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 19, 2025
The box score from Dec. 11, 2025's 1A state championship game between Wilson Preparatory Academy and Robbinsville. Chapel Hill – Heartbroke. That's the only way to describe the sentiment on Robbinsville's side of the field inside UNC's Kenan Stadium on Dec.
Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights address the media during Thursday's 1A state championship, post-game press conference. From left are head coach Lucas Ford, Isiac Collins, Kellen Ensley and Luke Lovin. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights address the media during Thursday's 1A state championship, post-game press conference. From left are head coach Lucas Ford, Isiac Collins, Kellen Ensley and Luke Lovin. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights fall in 1A title game

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Chapel Hill — Robbinsville's quest for a 16th state championship ended in heartbreak Thursday afternoon, as the Black Knights fell 9-8 to the Wilson Preparatory Academy Tigers in the 1A title game.

Robbinsville boys win Osley B. Saunooke Tournament

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A lot of grit led up to Robbinsville picking up its first tournament victory of the season Saturday. Boosted by five, first-place finishers, the Black Knights tallied 190 team points to clinch the Osley B. Saunooke Tournament championship at Cherokee High School.