BlackKnights

With Luke Hawk (right) closing in, Robbinsville senior Drey Keener eyes a layup Friday at Rosman. Along with Kamdyn Jordan, Keener had a team-high 14 points in the Black Knights’ 61-20 win over the Tigers. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

With Luke Hawk (right) closing in, Robbinsville senior Drey Keener eyes a layup Friday at Rosman. Along with Kamdyn Jordan, Keener had a team-high 14 points in the Black Knights’ 61-20 win over the Tigers. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

30 and done

Rosman – Simply put, Robbinsville made the shots it needed to; Rosman could not buy a basket.

Knights back on track

Robbinsville – Following a pair of losses at the hands of Cherokee, the Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights have repelled all opposition to tally a 4-1 record.  The Knights have enjoyed all the comforts of home since the Jan. 14 defeats, knocking off Rosman on Jan. 20, Andrews on Jan.
Jeb Shuler, Drey Keener, Nathan Collins and Eddie Brooms (from left) could not contain their excitement after Robbinsville bested Murphy in a 62-60 overtime thriller Tuesday night. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Jeb Shuler, Drey Keener, Nathan Collins and Eddie Brooms (from left) could not contain their excitement after Robbinsville bested Murphy in a 62-60 overtime thriller Tuesday night. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Roll with the changes

Robbinsville – It’s official: the Smoky Mountain Conference has been put on notice. The Robbinsville Black Knights have grown weary of cellar-dwelling in the division and are changing the narrative.
Robbinsville’s Drey Keener (21) reaches out to stop a shot from Cherokee’s Jordan Arkansas during Friday’s 100-81 loss to the Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

Robbinsville’s Drey Keener (21) reaches out to stop a shot from Cherokee’s Jordan Arkansas during Friday’s 100-81 loss to the Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

Perimeter blues

Cherokee – A nice first-half pace was not enough for Robbinsville.
Members of the Robbinsville cross country team – including sophomore Hayden Stewart – had to deal with heavy snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures to  compete in Saturday's 1A Western Regional Meet in Bryson City. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville cross country team – including sophomore Hayden Stewart – had to deal with heavy snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures to compete in Saturday's 1A Western Regional Meet in Bryson City. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Trekking through the elements

Bryson City – Amid heavy snowfall and a sub-freezing windchill, the Robbinsville Knights traversed through the 1A Western Regional Meet on Saturday.

Stayin’ alive

Bryson City – For the second straight week, the Robbinsville cross country team traveled to Kituwah Mound. For the third straight week, the Knights will return to the course. Following a solid performance at the Jan.
Brock Adams races past Hayesville's Brady Shook on a fast break during Friday's 60-56 loss to the Jackets. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Brock Adams races past Hayesville's Brady Shook on a fast break during Friday's 60-56 loss to the Jackets. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Too little, too late

For much of the fourth quarter Friday night, Robbinsville seemed destined to complete a comeback.
Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knocking off the rust

Hiwassee Dam – If Saturday was any indication, Robbinsville basketball looks primed to move into the upper echelon of competition in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Graham County’s contribution to the division bused both varsity squads to Hiwassee Dam for a preseason scrimmage against the Eagles.
Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

All they do is win, win, win

Robbinsville – Home course advantage aside, the Black Knights’ varsity performance at the Currahee Classic turned heads across the Smoky Mountain Conference.