Hayesville

Robbinsville’s Cole Patterson crouches in preparation of thwarting Andrews’ A.J. Weaver on a stolen base attempt during May 11’s road game against the Wildcats. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Robbinsville’s Cole Patterson crouches in preparation of thwarting Andrews’ A.J. Weaver on a stolen base attempt during May 11’s road game against the Wildcats. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Knights stung by Jackets

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – Despite 12 strikeouts, Hayesville prevailed. The Black Knights (3-4, 3-4) were shutout in their first pairing against the Smoky Mountain Conference-leading Yellow Jackets (6-0, 6-0) on Tuesday, mustering just five hits in a 3-0 loss.
Aynsley Fink begins her slide into second base during the April 29 regular-season finale against Hayesville. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Aynsley Fink begins her slide into second base during the April 29 regular-season finale against Hayesville. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Everything’s coming up Robbinsville

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Robbinsville – Five consecutive shutouts. Sixty-nine unanswered runs. Nineteen team home runs. Those statistics read as video-game numbers, ones you can attain if you turn on every secret code available. Only, the numbers are all too real.
Prior to Tuesday’s season finale, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade softball players: Liz Carpenter, Keilee Pressley, Claire Barlow, Bailie Conley, Lakelyn Eller, Abby Adams and Olivia Stewart (from left). Photo courtesy of Anna Stewart

Prior to Tuesday’s season finale, Robbinsville Middle School recognized its eighth-grade softball players: Liz Carpenter, Keilee Pressley, Claire Barlow, Bailie Conley, Lakelyn Eller, Abby Adams and Olivia Stewart (from left). Photo courtesy of Anna Stewart

Ending in the win column

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Robbinsville – In the final action of the shortened season, Robbinsville Middle School’s softball team welcomed Cherokee, Hayesville and Rosman.
Kensley Phillips takes a cut during a preseason scrimmage against T.C. Roberson on March 11. Along with Memory Frapp, Phillips had a 3-RBI game at Hayesville on Tuesday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Kensley Phillips takes a cut during a preseason scrimmage against T.C. Roberson on March 11. Along with Memory Frapp, Phillips had a 3-RBI game at Hayesville on Tuesday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

2nd time through the order

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 9, 2021
Cherokee – The first leg of a 3-game road trip started on the right foot. The Robbinsville Lady Knights (5-1, 5-1) traveled to Cherokee on Friday and in five innings, disposed of the Lady Braves (2-3, 2-3) in an 11-0 rout.
There was little Hayesville’s Adam Cook (5) could do to slow down the progress of Robbinsville’s Isaac Picon during the junior varsity Knights’ 68-0 win over the Yellow Jackets on March 24. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

There was little Hayesville’s Adam Cook (5) could do to slow down the progress of Robbinsville’s Isaac Picon during the junior varsity Knights’ 68-0 win over the Yellow Jackets on March 24. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Long-lasting home defense

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Robbinsville – Any reservations about playing on a day’s rest were quickly swatted away. The junior varsity Black Knights (3-1) struck early and often in their second game in three days March 24, pummeling the visiting Hayesville Yellow Jackets 68-0.
Senior Wade Hamilton takes off with one of four Robbinsville interceptions the Knights picked off in Friday’s win. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Senior Wade Hamilton takes off with one of four Robbinsville interceptions the Knights picked off in Friday’s win. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

D-fens!

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Hayesville – There’s an old adage that goes something like this: “You can’t have a good offense without great defense.
Turner Jackson (1) pulls away from some heavy Rosman pressure during Robbinsville’s 56-6 win over the Tigers on Feb. 25. Jackson emerged as the Black Knights’ leading rusher in the victory, tallying 71 yards on just five carries. Photos by Montana Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Turner Jackson (1) pulls away from some heavy Rosman pressure during Robbinsville’s 56-6 win over the Tigers on Feb. 25. Jackson emerged as the Black Knights’ leading rusher in the victory, tallying 71 yards on just five carries. Photos by Montana Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Back at work

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Robbinsville – They scored early and they scored often. In the end, the Robbinsville Black Knights began their quest to successful defend the 1A state title with a 56-6 victory over Rosman.  The game ended a 14-month layoff for Robbinsville football, which had last suited up Dec.
Robbinsville Middle School’s Roman Jones eyes a basket during a home game against Murphy on Jan. 25. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Middle School’s Roman Jones eyes a basket during a home game against Murphy on Jan. 25. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

And down the stretch they come!

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Rosman – Who is going to stop the Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights? Road victories over the last week at Hiwassee Dam/Ranger, Hayesville and Rosman have everyone in the Smoky Mountain Conference asking that question.

Down, but not out

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Robbinsville – Tuesday’s 62-47 home victory was crucial. Not only was it the Robbinsville Black Knights’ (7-4, 5-4) first win over the Cherokee Braves (6-4, 5-4) since Jan. 27, 2017 – a 53-50 home triumph – but it also moved Robbinsville solely into third place in the Smoky Mountain Conference.
Though exhausted, Robbinsville’s Gabby Hooper (3) begins to applaud the Lady Knights’ effort after a 77-70, triple-overtime triumph over Cherokee Lady Braves. Greeting Hooper is Kensley Phillips; Yeika Jimenez (20) is not far behind beginning the celebration. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Though exhausted, Robbinsville’s Gabby Hooper (3) begins to applaud the Lady Knights’ effort after a 77-70, triple-overtime triumph over Cherokee Lady Braves. Greeting Hooper is Kensley Phillips; Yeika Jimenez (20) is not far behind beginning the celebration. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Triple threat

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Robbinsville – For a moment, it appeared the limited audience gathered inside the Robbinsville High School gymnasium Tuesday night might get two games for the price of one. In a manner of speaking.