Murphy

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

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.

Bullheaded

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
All alone at the net, Knights senior Darion Ledbetter measures a lay-up attempt Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star Robbinsville – Despite trailing after one quarter of Friday's conference opener, the Black Knights refused to roll over and play dead.
Taking advantage of a frantic scramble inside the paint, Robbinsville senior Jozlyn Garland unloads a 3-pointer Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Taking advantage of a frantic scramble inside the paint, Robbinsville senior Jozlyn Garland unloads a 3-pointer Friday against Murphy. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Perfect run ends

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Back-to-back road losses Monday and Tuesday dampened a 4-0 start for the Robbinsville Lady Knights. It was a struggle from the opening tip-off at Hiwassee Dam (6-2), as Robbinsville (4-2, 1-1) fought all evening to make an inside presence against the Lady Eagles.
Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school splits the bill

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 16, 2024
Bryson City – A clean sweep of Swain County by Robbinsville on Dec. 5 was followed by a shaky showing at home Monday. The middle school Lady Knights (5-4) exorcised the Devils 54-16, while the Black Knights (4-5) cast out the demons 47-44.
Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Amidst a first-quarter scrum, Robbinsville’s Kasen Buchanan (88) wraps up Murphy’s Cameron Clem during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Friday

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 6, 2024
Murphy – The Black Knights and the Bulldogs meeting for postseason supremacy is almost a rite of passage at this point.  In fact, both the 2018 and 2020 Western Regional title games were contested between the two Smoky Mountain Conference foes; in 2021, they met in the Elite 8.
The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Dirty Laundry'

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
A nearly 11-month, undercover investigation culminated Friday with the execution of search warrants at a total of 10 different locations across three counties and two states.
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.
Daphne Barlow, Claire Barlow and Ryn Hooper (clockwise, from top left) celebrate after a block Oct. 10 against Cherokee. Photos by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Daphne Barlow, Claire Barlow and Ryn Hooper (clockwise, from top left) celebrate after a block Oct. 10 against Cherokee. Photos by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Lady Knights reach tourney semifinals

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Zaelyn Phillips takes flight for a push during Oct. 10’s JV clash against the Lady Braves. Cherokee – At Wednesday’s press deadline, the Lady Knights were still in the hunt for significant bragging rights in the Smoky Mountain Conference.
Under heavy pursuit from Ryelon Waldroup (42) and Isiac Collins (7), Murphy’s Cameron Clem sees his progress slowed drastically after Robbinsville senior Caden Lail (8) opts for a low tackle. Photos by Alex Parton/The Graham Star

Under heavy pursuit from Ryelon Waldroup (42) and Isiac Collins (7), Murphy’s Cameron Clem sees his progress slowed drastically after Robbinsville senior Caden Lail (8) opts for a low tackle. Photos by Alex Parton/The Graham Star

Victory: intercepted

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The box score from Oct. 11, 2024's game between Murphy and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – One errant pass. With 7:57 left in Friday’s home game against Murphy, Robbinsville held firm to a 7-6 advantage.
The Lady Knights prepare to defend the back row Tuesday against Swain County. Pictured are Claire Barlow, Daphne Barlow (5), Ryn Hooper and Liz Carpenter (20). Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

The Lady Knights prepare to defend the back row Tuesday against Swain County. Pictured are Claire Barlow, Daphne Barlow (5), Ryn Hooper and Liz Carpenter (20). Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Knights fighting for postseason spot

Kevin Hensley
Friday, October 11, 2024
Robbinsville – Tuesday was one of the most important matches for Lady Knights volleyball in quite some time. Attempting to stay in the playoff conversation, Robbinsville held its annual “Pink Night” – a fundraiser for the Graham Cancer Support Group – by hosting Swain County.