BlackKnights

Lucas Ford reviews a play with Tanner Hedden during Aug. 30’s game at Franklin. Ford’s rapport with the players had many of the Robbinsville faithful pulling for the Black Knight alum to be appointed as the new head football coach; Feb. 6, he was announced as Dee Walsh’s successor. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Built Ford tough

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Robbinsville – Less than 24 hours after being publicly named as the new head football coach and athletic director for Robbinsville High School, Lucas Ford scrolled through his phone in sheer amazement. “Look at this,” he said to a small crowd gathered around him.

The Smoky Mountain Conference title returned to the Black Knights on Tuesday, following a victory over Cherokee. Standing in back (from left) are Nathan Frederick, Roman Jones, Kenyon Swimmer, Quinn Jumper, Isiac Collins, head coach Jake Beasley, Dane Knott, Kasen Buchanan, Trey Lambert, Luke Lovin, Kyzik Teesateskie, Logan Callaway and manager Joshua Satterfield. Sitting in front are Darion Ledbetter (left) and Bryce Adams. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

‘They deserve it’

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Robbinsville – For the second time in three seasons, the Black Knights have claimed bragging rights in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Tuesday’s 55-46 win over Cherokee wrapped up the regular-season championship for Robbinsville (17-5, 8-1), which has not lost a game since Jan. 8.

Adair Panama puts Polk County’s Liam Jackson in a world of hurt during the Feb. 5 third-round, dual-team postseason match. Robbinsville won the dual, but fell in the regional final to Mount Airy. Photos by Kensie Belk/The Graham Star

State duals evade Robbinsville

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Columbus – With high hopes, “The Ville” loaded onto an activity bus Feb. 5 and traveled to the South Carolina border, hoping to return with the program’s second berth in the 1A dual team finals. Instead, Robbinsville (No. 2 seed, 26-8) was halted in the regional round for the third straight season.

Robbinsville senior Bryce Adams – shown guarding Andrews’ Braxton Rickett on Friday – surpassed the 1,100-point mark for his career Monday against Summit Charter. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights gain sole possession of division

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Landon Eddings rises above the Andrews defense for a first-half bucket attempt during JV boys action Friday. Eddings went on to hit the game-clinching basket after blocking a Wildcats shot in the closing seconds of the game.

Knox Orr controls Alleghany’s Elijah Barker during the second round of the state dual-team postseason Saturday. Orr went on to pin Barker and clinch a third-round berth for Robbinsville. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

3rd round bound

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Robbinsville – There’s a reason the third round of the dual-team postseason is dubbed the “Elite 8.” The Black Knights found out after Wednesday’s press deadline if their duals roster was strong enough to withstand another tough evening of competition, as Robbinsville (No.

Brooke Cox, Ella Nelms and Myah Winfrey (from left) listen intently as Robbinsville head coach Brittany Snider sets up a play during a late timeout Jan. 15 at Hayesville. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights back in semifinals

Kevin Hensley

Friday, January 31, 2025

Bryson City – Following the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 Smoky Mountain Conference middle school championship tournament, one of Robbinsville’s teams is right back in the same position it was last year, while another was dismissed early. The Lady Knights (No.

Robbinsville’s Kellen Ensley brushed off a desperate attempt by North Henderson’s Aden Slusser to break up this standing single-leg to win the 215-pound bout in the third period Jan. 22. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Full steam ahead

Kevin Hensley

Friday, January 31, 2025

Robbinsville – State duals are right around the corner, but no matter the format in front of them when the Black Knights arrive to a gym, there is no disputing that the program is wrestling in top form. After celebrating Senior Night on Jan.

Robbinsville’s Kyzik Teesateskie (20) defies gravity to deny Copper Basin’s Talon Smith on Monday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights continue hunt for title

Kevin Hensley

Friday, January 31, 2025

Bam Nelms aims to fire one of his team-high 24 points in the JV Black Knights' win over Murphy on Tuesday. Murphy – With portions of Graham County still blanketed in snow, Robbinsville’s basketball program embarked on a “4-for-4” slate over the course of the last week.

Dee Walsh gives one final pep talk before what proved to also be his final preseason scrimmage Aug. 16 at T.C. Roberson High School. After winning 189 career games in 22 seasons at his alma mater, Walsh announced he was stepping down as both head football coach and Robbinsville High School’s athletic director Friday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

End of an era

Kevin Hensley

Friday, January 31, 2025

Dee Walsh was the quarterback of back-to-back state championship football teams for Robbinsville in 1973 and 1974. The Black Knights were 21-5 during the run. Robbinsville – One could argue that Dee Walsh has spent more time coaching Black Knights football than in the comfort of his own recliner.

Suri Watty takes flight amongst the flocked defense of Lady Eagles Olivia McNabb (15), Bella Stiles (44), Sky Taylor and Abby Harris (21) on Jan. 14. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Knights scorch Maroon Devils

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Dane Knott prepares to deposit a foul shot Tuesday at Swain County. Knott led Robbinsville with 22 points in the win over the Maroon Devils. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star Bryson City – The Knights’ returned to Smoky Mountain Conference play Tuesday with great vengeance and furious anger.