BlackKnights

Go big or go home

Robbinsville – A strong, second-half defense was only one key to the Black Knights’ success Tuesday night.
The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights finished second at Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament in Cherokee. From left are Ryelon Waldroup, Ethan Webster, Houston Ditmore, Dalton Hill, Isaac Picon, Juan Rios, Koleson Dooley, Mason Phillips, Anjelo Fierro and Whelon Sellers. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights finished second at Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament in Cherokee. From left are Ryelon Waldroup, Ethan Webster, Houston Ditmore, Dalton Hill, Isaac Picon, Juan Rios, Koleson Dooley, Mason Phillips, Anjelo Fierro and Whelon Sellers. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Black Knights finish 2nd

Cherokee – If not for a series of unfortunate events, the Robbinsville Middle School wrestling team might also be celebrating a conference title.
Members of the Robbinsville High School wrestling program come together to celebrate Saturday’s Smoky  Mountain Conference Tournament championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville High School wrestling program come together to celebrate Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights of the round table

Cherokee – There’s no doubt about it: Robbinsville’s wrestling dynasty lives on. The Black Knights clinched the 2019-20 Smoky Mountain Conference title Jan.

Black Knights involved in another near-miss

Highlands – It is an all-too-familiar scenario: the Robbinsville Black Knights, involved in another nailbiter. During Wednesday, Jan. 22’s make-up game at Highlands, the Knights (1-14, 0-8) found themselves in a 58-58 deadlock with the Highlanders (7-13, 2-2) in the closing seconds of regulation.
Prior to the Jan. 14 home dual with Andrews, Robbinsville High School wrestling recognized its four seniors (from left): Gracye Burchfield, Justin Stewart, Kamron McGuire and Nathan Fisher. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Prior to the Jan. 14 home dual with Andrews, Robbinsville High School wrestling recognized its four seniors (from left): Gracye Burchfield, Justin Stewart, Kamron McGuire and Nathan Fisher. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Representing "The 'Ville"

Bryson City – The Robbinsville Black Knights traversed across county lines Saturday to compete in the annual Devil Duals.  Though Graham County’s finest would drop a pair of close duals – falling 39-35 to Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights pose with the 2019-20 championship tournament bracket, moments after defeating the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles to win the title on Jan. 23 in Hayesville. From left are Dane Knott, Roman Jones, Luke Lovin, Tytan Teesateskie, Donovan Carpenter, Bryce Adams, Zeke Silvers, Xander Wachacha, Quinn Jumper, Andrew Scrivner, Drake Anderson, Austin Colangelo, Hugh Forbes and Isiac Collins. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights pose with the 2019-20 championship tournament bracket, moments after defeating the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles to win the title on Jan. 23 in Hayesville. From left are Dane Knott, Roman Jones, Luke Lovin, Tytan Teesateskie, Donovan Carpenter, Bryce Adams, Zeke Silvers, Xander Wachacha, Quinn Jumper, Andrew Scrivner, Drake Anderson, Austin Colangelo, Hugh Forbes and Isiac Collins. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Champions!

Hayesville – For the first time since 2014, Robbinsville can lay claim to the Smoky Mountain Conference Middle School Title. A 43-41 win over the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles (No. 3 West seed) Jan. 23 in Hayesville secured the Black Knights’ basketball bragging rights.

Black Knights reach finals

Hayesville – As expected, Robbinsville Middle School’s strong regular-season campaign cultivated high championship tournament seeding. The Black Knights (13-2) grabbed the No. 1 East seed, while the Lady Knights (10-5) were awarded the No. 2 East seed.

Read between the lines

Andrews – Take one look at Robbinsville’s win/loss record and on paper, it looks like a night off for opponents. But how foolish it would be to take the Black Knights (1-11, 0-6) lightly, as the group is clicking and becoming a dangerous foe as the second-half of the season dawns.
Robbinsville’s Justin Stewart has full control of Rabun Gap, Ga.’s Aidan Loring during the 160-pound finals of Saturday’s James Orr Invitational. Stewart won the bout 3-0 to seize the bracket. Photo by Jenny Millsaps/Contributing Photographer

Robbinsville’s Justin Stewart has full control of Rabun Gap, Ga.’s Aidan Loring during the 160-pound finals of Saturday’s James Orr Invitational. Stewart won the bout 3-0 to seize the bracket. Photo by Jenny Millsaps/Contributing Photographer

Smith, Stewart win James Orr Invitational

Robbinsville – Known regionally as one of the toughest tournaments of the season, Saturday’s James Orr Invitational certainly lived up to the hype. The annual showcase – hosted by Robbinsville – brought 15 teams into Graham County, including schools from Georgia and Tennessee.

Middle school ready for tourney

Rosman – High-tournament seeding lies ahead for the Robbinsville Middle School basketball program. Following a pair of road victories at Cherokee and Rosman, the Black Knights finished the season 11-2.  Meanwhile, the Lady Knights dropped their final two games and ended the campaign 9-4.