SMCVB

Kylie Farley, Ivy Odom, Delaney Brooms, Tai Owle, Kelsey Waldroup and Abbi Sawyer (from left) celebrate a Sawyer ace during Jan. 7's season finale at Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kylie Farley, Ivy Odom, Delaney Brooms, Tai Owle, Kelsey Waldroup and Abbi Sawyer (from left) celebrate a Sawyer ace during Jan. 7's season finale at Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

End of the road

Kevin Hensley
Monday, January 18, 2021
Murphy – Instead of preparing for a playoff game, Robbinsville is saying goodbye to its 2020-21 volleyball season. For the first time since 2011, the Lady Knights (10-4, 8-4) will not be participating in the postseason, as the N.C.
Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sweeps week

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 7, 2021
It’s crunch time for the Robbinsville Lady Knights.

Eyes on the prize

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 28, 2020
Nantahala – In pre-COVID times, a 2-loss volleyball team from the Smoky Mountain Conference was all but guaranteed a spot in the 1A state playoffs. However, as the virus has altered the way high school athletics are being conducted this year, that guarantee has been kissed goodbye.

Clash of the Champions

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Robbinsville – Fresh off a four-set, comeback victory at Swain County on Dec. 4, the Lady Knights seemed to have all the momentum needed to prevail.

Net worth

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Bryson City – When adversity displayed on the line, Robbinsville answered the call. For only the second time this season, the Lady Knights (5-1, 4-1) were pushed to four sets in a crucial Smoky Mountain Conference showdown Friday night.

Locked and loaded

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Robbinsville – Any sign of on-court rust or a lack of cohesiveness in the season debut against Rosman was quickly eliminated. Following a 4-set loss to the Lady Tigers in the Smoky Mountain Conference opener Nov.
Lady Knights junior Yeika Jimenez (20) closes in on a kill attempt during Monday’s season opener against Rosman. Note athletes on both sides wearing masks, thanks to a recent mandate handed down by the N.C. High School Athletic Association. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights junior Yeika Jimenez (20) closes in on a kill attempt during Monday’s season opener against Rosman. Note athletes on both sides wearing masks, thanks to a recent mandate handed down by the N.C. High School Athletic Association. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Welcome back, Knights

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Robbinsville – Socially-distanced benches. Masks obscuring the faces of players. A limit of 25 spectators in a high school gymnasium.
The 2020-21 Robbinsville Lady Knights are (front row): Gabby Hooper (left) and Karcee Dooley. Standing in back (from left) are Aubrie Wachacha, Kelsey Waldroup, Dallas Garrett, Yeika Jimenez, head coach Kadey Phillips, Kensley Phillips, Ivy Odom and Ally Ayers. Not pictured are Halee Anderson, Delaney Brooms and assistant coach Dede Brooms. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The 2020-21 Robbinsville Lady Knights are (front row): Gabby Hooper (left) and Karcee Dooley. Standing in back (from left) are Aubrie Wachacha, Kelsey Waldroup, Dallas Garrett, Yeika Jimenez, head coach Kadey Phillips, Kensley Phillips, Ivy Odom and Ally Ayers. Not pictured are Halee Anderson, Delaney Brooms and assistant coach Dede Brooms. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights ready to joust

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 12, 2020
* Robbinsville volleyball season preview It was a year unlike any other.
Robbinsville’s Ivy Odom (front) and Kensley Phillips work through a drill at a July 23 workout. Knights volleyball and cross-country will begin their 2020-21 season next month, but COVID-19 restrictions will keep spectators at a minimum. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Ivy Odom (front) and Kensley Phillips work through a drill at a July 23 workout. Knights volleyball and cross-country will begin their 2020-21 season next month, but COVID-19 restrictions will keep spectators at a minimum. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Spectators limited for fall sports

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Raleigh – An Oct. 15 announcement from the N.C. High School Athletic Association confirmed what many had feared: sports will begin next month, but crowds will be sparse. In the release, the association maintained its desire to mirror both advice from the N.C.