NCHSAAMBB

8 Knights named All-Conference

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
At the conclusion of the 2025-26 basketball season, the annual All-Smoky Mountain Conference teams were released. For the Black Knights, Dane Knott and Luke Lovin were both named All-Conference. Kristian Bauzo, Nathan Frederick and Xamuel Wachacha each received honorable mentions.
Lady Knights sophomore Bella Coats (40) breaks away from Bethany Community School's Brooke Carter (11) and Ryleigh Wiseburn (20) in the fourth quarter of Thursday's second-round playoff game. More photos can be purchased at geosnapshot.com/grahamstarsports. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights sophomore Bella Coats (40) breaks away from Bethany Community School's Brooke Carter (11) and Ryleigh Wiseburn (20) in the fourth quarter of Thursday's second-round playoff game. More photos can be purchased at geosnapshot.com/grahamstarsports. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights begin postseason run

Kevin Hensley
Friday, February 27, 2026
Hiwassee Dam – Though the hosts put up a gallant effort, it was Robbinsville who stood tall at the end of Monday's fourth-round playoff game.
Xamuel Wachacha (1) attempts to evade the defense of Murphy's Abram Twiggs and shoot a 3-pointer during Feb. 12's Smoky Mountain Conference title game. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Xamuel Wachacha (1) attempts to evade the defense of Murphy's Abram Twiggs and shoot a 3-pointer during Feb. 12's Smoky Mountain Conference title game. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights upset in tournament semifinals

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Murphy – There was little doubt that Feb. 18's semifinal match-up would be a doozy. The first team to hand the Black Knights a conference loss this season was Cherokee. Even though Robbinsville split the series with a Senior Night victory Feb.
Kristian Bauzo (left) attempts to evade the defense of Andrews’ Braylen Maennle on Jan. 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Kristian Bauzo (left) attempts to evade the defense of Andrews’ Braylen Maennle on Jan. 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Flying high

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Hiwassee Dam – Dampened by four postponements – the result of Winter Storm Gianna sweeping across western North Carolina – the Black Knights only hit the hardwood once last week. Robbinsville traveled to the westernmost high school in the state Jan.

Black Knights reign on Cats and Dogs

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Black Knights guard Dane Knott – shown launching a long-range shot Tuesday against Andrews – is averaging 21 points per game this season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.
Black Knights point guard Luke Lovin splits a pair of Cherokee defenders, who can only look on in amazement as the senior glides through the air for a basket attempt during Friday's conference road game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights point guard Luke Lovin splits a pair of Cherokee defenders, who can only look on in amazement as the senior glides through the air for a basket attempt during Friday's conference road game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights win 10th game of season

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Robbinsville put the memory of its first conference loss in the rearview mirror Tuesday, knocking off Rosman (1-12, 0-5) at home 66-33. The victory improved the Black Knights to 10-3 (3-1 in divisional play), which solidifies Robbinsville's fifth-straight 10-win season.
Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley (center, kneeling) talks strategy with his team, shortly before the second half of Jan. 8's road game against Highlands gets underway. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley (center, kneeling) talks strategy with his team, shortly before the second half of Jan. 8's road game against Highlands gets underway. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights back on winning streak

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Highlands – The first half of Jan. 8's trip to the Plateau was a shocker, both on paper and to the fans in attendance.
Dane Knott attempts to drive past Andrews’ Gabe Clark during Friday’s conference opener. Knott had a team-best 26 points in Robbinsville’s win over the Wildcats. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Dane Knott attempts to drive past Andrews’ Gabe Clark during Friday’s conference opener. Knott had a team-best 26 points in Robbinsville’s win over the Wildcats. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Knights win league debut

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Despite the raucous atmosphere inside Andrews' Ken Solesbee Athletic Center, the Robbinsville Black Knights played Friday's divisional opener with nerves of steel.