LadyKnights

Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Robbinsville’s Lakin Orr (14) puts up an inside shot during Nov. 21’s home game against Andrews. Photo courtesy of Kyla Garland/Contributing Photographer

Lady Knights back to .500

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Robbinsville – The first quarter of Nov. 21’s home game was shaky, but the Lady Knights led 8-6 nonetheless. The second period? An 18-3 drubbing – advantage, Robbinsville.

Knights to remain 1A

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Chapel Hill – After a lengthy period of conjecture, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has finally revealed its plans for the upcoming 2025-29 re-alignment. Confirmed Nov.
Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taking on all comers

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Black Knights have dove right into the deep end of the talent pool during their first official week of matches this year. Hosting a tri-match with Franklin and McDowell on Nov. 12, Robbinsville knocked off the Panthers 54-24 and the Titans 46-21.
Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Robbinsville’s Aaliyah Wolfe keeps a watchful eye on a Swain County player during Nov. 4’s season opener.

Middle school Lady Knights back in win column

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights shook off back-to-back losses Nov. 14, upending the visiting Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Lady Eagles 49-35.  Robbinsville (2-3) ran away with the game by opening up a 24-6 lead at the outset of the second quarter.
Robbinsville Middle School’s Carsan Snider cuts toward the paint during Nov. 4’s season opener against Swain.

Robbinsville Middle School’s Carsan Snider cuts toward the paint during Nov. 4’s season opener against Swain.

Smoky Mountain rain

Kevin Hensley
Monday, November 18, 2024
Sylva – For the first time in recent memory, Robbinsville met Smoky Mountain for middle school basketball action.
Ryn Hooper had no idea about her big achievement until the semifinals of the conference tournament, when she was recognized for her accomplishment.

Ryn Hooper had no idea about her big achievement until the semifinals of the conference tournament, when she was recognized for her accomplishment.

Administrative assistant

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Robbinsville junior Ryn Hooper concentrates on a set during the Lady Knights’ second-round playoff match at Polk County on Oct. 24. Hooper surpassed the 1,000-assists mark for her career early last month. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.
Hazeleigh Driver (right) traps a Swain County ball handler during Monday’s lopsided victory over the Lady Devils. Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Hazeleigh Driver (right) traps a Swain County ball handler during Monday’s lopsided victory over the Lady Devils. Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Black Knights sweep tip-off

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Robbinsville Middle School’s Peyton Weaver sizes up a free throw late in Monday’s season opener against Swain County. Photo by Alex Parton/The Graham Star Robbinsville – One game evolved into a blowout; the other, a nailbiter. Both ended the same way, however: Robbinsville in the win column.
Abby Wehr (left) and Bentley Riggins competed in Oct. 22’s Western Regional tournament.

Abby Wehr (left) and Bentley Riggins competed in Oct. 22’s Western Regional tournament.

Knights duo make history

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Lincolnton – In just its second year of existence, the Robbinsville Lady Knights golf team sent two athletes to Oct. 22’s 1A Western Regional Tournament. Bentley Riggins and Abby Wehr – both juniors – made the cut for the event, which was held at Lincoln Country Club in Lincolnton.
Robbinsville’s three volleyball seniors played their final game as a Lady Knight on Oct. 24, in the second round of the state playoffs. Claire Barlow spikes the ball between Polk County’s Sophia Overholt (2) and Morgan Yoder. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s three volleyball seniors played their final game as a Lady Knight on Oct. 24, in the second round of the state playoffs. Claire Barlow spikes the ball between Polk County’s Sophia Overholt (2) and Morgan Yoder. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights jousted by reigning champs

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Liz Carpenter swats from the back row to keep a volley alive Oct. 24.   Olivia Lewis delivers a serve at Polk County. Columbus – The second round of the state playoffs remains a hurdle the Lady Knights have been unable to clear since 2019.
Senior middle hitter Claire Barlow – who led the 1A West in kills (338) before Tuesday’s playoff match – pulls some chicanery to slip the ball past Rosman’s Lilly Orr and Lillie Dodson. Robbinsville advanced to the second round of the postseason after besting its former conference rival in four sets. Photos by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Senior middle hitter Claire Barlow – who led the 1A West in kills (338) before Tuesday’s playoff match – pulls some chicanery to slip the ball past Rosman’s Lilly Orr and Lillie Dodson. Robbinsville advanced to the second round of the postseason after besting its former conference rival in four sets. Photos by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Pro tip: never count out the Lady Knights

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Senior Liz Carpenter entered Tuesday's playoff match against Rosman with a team-best 62 aces. Carpenter delivered several flawless serves in the Knights' four-set victory over the Tigers.