SwainCounty

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights gathered at half court in Bryson City on Monday to commemorate a 14-0 regular season after defeating Swain County in the finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights gathered at half court in Bryson City on Monday to commemorate a 14-0 regular season after defeating Swain County in the finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights cap unbeaten regular season

Bryson City – When the Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights completed the program’s first perfect regular season since a stretch of back-to-back, undefeated runs from 2009-11, there was very little fanfare.
Lleyton Hooper applies a half-nelson during Tuesday’s dual against Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Jacquline Gayosso/Contributing Photographer

Lleyton Hooper applies a half-nelson during Tuesday’s dual against Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Jacquline Gayosso/Contributing Photographer

Dual frenzy

Robbinsville – Six duals in a span of four days would be a grind for most programs. For Robbinsville, it’s business as usual. The Black Knights welcomed schools from across – and outside – the state for Saturday’s inaugural H.O.O.T.
Carsan Snider (22) passes to Micah York late in Robbinsville Middle School’s 63-32, home victory over Swain County on Nov. 30. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Carsan Snider (22) passes to Micah York late in Robbinsville Middle School’s 63-32, home victory over Swain County on Nov. 30. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

We meet again

Robbinsville Middle School’s boys basketball team has taken care of business in each of its assignments thus far. The closest threat to a blemish came early in the campaign – the second game of the year, to be exact. Robbinsville prevailed 52-44 over Hiwassee Dam/Ranger on Nov.

It’s all in a day’s work

Raleigh – North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Rocky R. Deitz joined troopers Jonathan “Ty” Gibbs and Trooper Johnathan R. Jones in receiving the Samaritan Group Award on Nov. 22, recognizing them for extraordinary acts of bravery and public service. The awards ceremony took place at the N.C.

Knights win Dekota Smith Invitational

Hudson – If the opening week for Robbinsville’s varsity wrestling program is any indication of what’s to come, opponents can instead anticipate looking at the lights when the ref slaps the mat.

Area man charged with road rage

Deals Gap – A road rage incident near the Graham County/Swain County line led to shots firing on Nov. 4. In the aftermath, David Glen Taylor – 52 of Bryson City – was arrested and charged with misdemeanor going armed to terror of the public and misdemeanor impersonation a law enforcement officer.
Chase Calhoun (2), Quinn Jumper (12) and Kellen Ensley drop Swain County's Joshua Collins for a loss during Robbinsville's 30-24, third-round playoff victory Friday. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Chase Calhoun (2), Quinn Jumper (12) and Kellen Ensley drop Swain County's Joshua Collins for a loss during Robbinsville's 30-24, third-round playoff victory Friday. Photo by Fala Welch/The Graham Star

Shout at the Devils

Robbinsville – What. A. Comeback. The Black Knights could have easily thrown in the towel after Swain County punched ahead 24-8 in the third round of the 1A state playoffs Friday. The Maroon Devils never led in the Smoky Mountain Conference title game Oct.
Tillman Adams (24) lowers the boom on Mountain Island Charter’s Caleb Shin during Robbinsville’s second-round playoff victory Nov. 9. Photos courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Tillman Adams (24) lowers the boom on Mountain Island Charter’s Caleb Shin during Robbinsville’s second-round playoff victory Nov. 9. Photos courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Preying for relief

The box score from Robbinsville's second-round playoff victory over Mountain Island Charter on Nov. 9, 2023. Robbinsville – Through the first two games of the postseason, the Black Knights have outscored visitors 95-14.
The Robbinsville Mites make it official Saturday, gathering around the 2023 Cracker Bowl Championship trophy to soak up the moment after winning their fourth title in a row. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Mites make it official Saturday, gathering around the 2023 Cracker Bowl Championship trophy to soak up the moment after winning their fourth title in a row. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Making a bowl statement

The box score from the Mites' 2023 Cracker Bowl championship game. Murphy – Saturday’s Mites championship game proved that the deeply chronicled rivalry between Swain County and Robbinsville shows no signs of slowing down.
Knowing the outcome of the play was fully in the bag, Robbinsville senior Cuttler Adams reaches back for a high five from Tanner Hedden during his 102-yard interception return for the game-winning touchdown in the late stages of Friday’s win over Swain County. The victory solidified the Black Knights’ 27th divisional title. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Knowing the outcome of the play was fully in the bag, Robbinsville senior Cuttler Adams reaches back for a high five from Tanner Hedden during his 102-yard interception return for the game-winning touchdown in the late stages of Friday’s win over Swain County. The victory solidified the Black Knights’ 27th divisional title. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

How the SMC was won

The box score from Oct. 27, 2023's Smoky Mountain Conference title game between Swain County and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – Friday’s divisional title game was everything it was built up to be – and then some.