BlackKnights

The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

Knights win 1st team state championship

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Greensboro – Between three individual state champions and a plethora of high placements, the Robbinsville Black Knights mixed together the right formula for 1A immortality.
Robbinsville senior Luke Lovin delivers a pitch during the Black Knights' second-round playoff game Friday at Andrews. Lovin struck out 11 Wildcats across 5 1/3 innings. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Robbinsville senior Luke Lovin delivers a pitch during the Black Knights' second-round playoff game Friday at Andrews. Lovin struck out 11 Wildcats across 5 1/3 innings. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Knights fall in 2nd round

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Andrews – Down to their final three outs – and in a five-run hole – the Black Knights displayed the same tenacity Friday that propelled the program to just its third playoff appearance in 15 years.

Golf season ends at regional tournament

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Rutherfordton – Robbinsville's varsity golf season concluded at May 5's 1A Western Regional Tournament, which was held at Rutherfordton's Meadowbrook Golf Course.Avery Brown missed qualifying for the state championship match by one stroke, placing 15th overall after shooting a 91.
The Robbinsville Black Knights proudly display the 1A Western Regional Championship plaque Friday, after conquering the competition at Montreat College.

The Robbinsville Black Knights proudly display the 1A Western Regional Championship plaque Friday, after conquering the competition at Montreat College.

Black Knights capture regional championship

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Black Mountain – Robbinsville's boys track and field are on the cusp of sweeping the championship slate clean.With a resounding 179 team points, the Black Knights cruised to the 1A Western Regional title at Friday's meet, which was held at Montreat College.
Robbinsville's Peyton Brooks (27) celebrates with teammates Everett Taylor (4) and Rylen Orr after tagging out Murphy's Aayden Williams at the plate April 30, securing the Black Knights' first victory over the Bulldogs since 2019. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Peyton Brooks (27) celebrates with teammates Everett Taylor (4) and Rylen Orr after tagging out Murphy's Aayden Williams at the plate April 30, securing the Black Knights' first victory over the Bulldogs since 2019. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights begin playoff run

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Robbinsville – The Black Knights hosted their first playoff game since moving onto Loudon Orr Memorial Field on Tuesday, fanning the North Stokes Vikings 8-0.In just its second postseason appearance since 2011, Robbinsville (No. 6 seed, 10-9) dominated.
As Connor Hyde (22) looks on, Robbinsville's Kamden Driver (2) looks to turn the second leg of a double play during April 23's JV victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

As Connor Hyde (22) looks on, Robbinsville's Kamden Driver (2) looks to turn the second leg of a double play during April 23's JV victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

JV Knights wrap up season

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Bryson City – The final record might not indicate much success, but the junior varsity Black Knights made great strides during the 2026 season.Perhaps the highlight of the year was downing Smoky Mountain Conference rival Swain County in back-to-back road games.
Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Black Knights win 1st divisional title since 2011

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Cherokee – The last time Robbinsville's boys track and field program won a conference title, some of the athletes on the roster had yet to be born.
Peyton Brooks earned his first win of the season April 23 against Copper Basin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Peyton Brooks earned his first win of the season April 23 against Copper Basin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights tame Cougars

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Robbinsville – Simply put, the Knights had a field day when Copper Basin came to town April 23.
Jackson Lane fires a throw from right field during March 20's home game against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Jackson Lane fires a throw from right field during March 20's home game against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights reel in success

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Asheville – For the first time since the debut series of the season, the Robbinsville Black Knights have a winning record.
Everett Taylor makes a running catch March 20 against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Everett Taylor makes a running catch March 20 against Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights rout Braves – again

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Cherokee – At this juncture, members of the Braves have to be pointing fingers of blame and asking, "Who owes them money?"Following a 28-1 drubbing of their divisional foe April 7, Robbinsville (6-6, 6-4) made the return trip to Cherokee (1-11, 1-9) for the series finale Friday.