LadyKnights

The Robbinsville Lady Knights and the Enka Sugar Jets gathered to commemorate the opportunity to play at the Catamount Softball Complex on Monday. Enka would prevail in six innings, 11-1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights and the Enka Sugar Jets gathered to commemorate the opportunity to play at the Catamount Softball Complex on Monday. Enka would prevail in six innings, 11-1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

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Cullowhee – With the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly in the rearview mirror, Robbinsville skipper Billy Knight deemed it time to revive what was once a yearly tradition.
Robbinsville Middle School catcher Dreylee Webster applies the tag to a Swain County runner Friday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Middle School catcher Dreylee Webster applies the tag to a Swain County runner Friday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights fall to Swain

Robbinsville – The only team to disrupt an otherwise-perfect season for the Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights has been Swain County.
Robbinsville senior Sarah Gibby became the latest Lady Knight to smash a home run this season Fridday. Her career first at Swain County was a memorable one: a grand slam in the top of the third. Gibby finished the day with six RBIs, as the Lady Knights prevailed 14-1. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville High School Softball

Robbinsville senior Sarah Gibby became the latest Lady Knight to smash a home run this season Fridday. Her career first at Swain County was a memorable one: a grand slam in the top of the third. Gibby finished the day with six RBIs, as the Lady Knights prevailed 14-1. Photo courtesy of Robbinsville High School Softball

Grand Gibby

Bryson City – In a season where one team has already posted 11 home runs through its first 10 games, it is certainly a tall ask for someone to stand out from the pack. But Sarah Gibby cracked that code Friday.
In a cloud of dust, middle school Lady Knight Daphne Barlow slides under the tag during Tuesday’s road loss to Swain County. Photo courtesy of Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

In a cloud of dust, middle school Lady Knight Daphne Barlow slides under the tag during Tuesday’s road loss to Swain County. Photo courtesy of Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

1 win, 1 loss

Martins Creek – It took a few games to bring it all together, but the middle school Black Knights finally moved into the win column Friday. In a road trip to Martins Creek, Robbinsville (1-3) knocked off the Hornets 5-2, thanks in part to a well-rounded afternoon from Rylen Orr.
Robbinsville continues to pulverize the ball, with three Lady Knights launching long balls Monday at Hayesville. From left are Halee Anderson, Patience Frapp – who hit two – and Memory Frapp. Photo courtesy of Susan Crowe

Robbinsville continues to pulverize the ball, with three Lady Knights launching long balls Monday at Hayesville. From left are Halee Anderson, Patience Frapp – who hit two – and Memory Frapp. Photo courtesy of Susan Crowe

Breakin’ stitches

Hayesville – Four home runs and a no-hitter. In a season where Robbinsville has a team average of .420 – while one pitcher has a 1.33 ERA and 50 strikeouts – Monday’s blowout at Hayesville (2-3, 0-3) should come as no surprise.
Robbinsville’s Yeika Jimenez was named the 1A West/Midwest Girls All-Star Game MVP, following her performance in Saturday’s exhibition at Highlands School. Presenting Jimenez with her award is (from left) Greg Grantham, executive director of the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association; Que Tucker, commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association; and Dr. Bud Black, executive director of the 1A West/Midwest All-Star Games. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Yeika Jimenez was named the 1A West/Midwest Girls All-Star Game MVP, following her performance in Saturday’s exhibition at Highlands School. Presenting Jimenez with her award is (from left) Greg Grantham, executive director of the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association; Que Tucker, commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association; and Dr. Bud Black, executive director of the 1A West/Midwest All-Star Games. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Hey now, you’re an All-Star

Highlands – For the first time since 2019, the 1A West/Midwest All-Star Games took place. And Robbinsville’s basketball program made sure to leave its mark on the evening, which played out at Highlands School.
Anna Williams looks to turn the second leg of a double play during March 15’s home game against Hayesville. Photo courtesy of Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

Anna Williams looks to turn the second leg of a double play during March 15’s home game against Hayesville. Photo courtesy of Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

Lady Knights continue to rake

Tallulah – Much like the varsity squad, the middle school Lady Knights are firing on all cylinders. Robbinsville (3-0) continued its hot start to the season Tuesday, besting Murphy 9-3 at P & J Field. “I am super proud of my girls and how hard they play,” said Knights head coach Anna Stewart.
Robbinsville senior Ivy Odom fires off one of the Lady Knights' 11 hits in Tuesday's lopsided victory over Murphy. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Robbinsville senior Ivy Odom fires off one of the Lady Knights' 11 hits in Tuesday's lopsided victory over Murphy. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Success: affirmed

Robbinsville – It may be too early for such a bold question, but it is worth considering: who is going to stop the Robbinsville Lady Knights?
Robbinsville Middle School’s Presley Caylor tossed a no-hitter during the Lady Knights’ 10-0, season-opening victory at Hayesville on March 10. Photo by Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

Robbinsville Middle School’s Presley Caylor tossed a no-hitter during the Lady Knights’ 10-0, season-opening victory at Hayesville on March 10. Photo by Tyffany Hicks/Contributing Photographer

Caylor throws no-no; Lady Knights shine in season debut

Hayesville – Everywhere you looked, the Lady Knights glimmered in their season opener. Tasked with traveling to Hayesville to kickstart the campaign, Robbinsville (2-0) promptly went on a hitting tear across the second, third and fourth innings.
Junior Brock Adams returns to defend his 110-meter hurdles state championship this season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Junior Brock Adams returns to defend his 110-meter hurdles state championship this season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights on quest for championship gold

* Robbinsville track season preview Robbinsville – With its most depth in years, the Robbinsville High School track program is destined for greatness. More than 30 athletes fill out the boys and girls’ rosters, with a large slew of state qualifiers returning from 2021.