LadyDevils

Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Queens reign again

Robbinsville – Another year, another divisional championship for the Lady Knights.
Teammates mob Robbinsville Middle School's Mercy Nelms (center) on Dec. 4, moments after Nelms hit a three-pointer at the final buzzer to cement a 42-34 home victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Teammates mob Robbinsville Middle School's Mercy Nelms (center) on Dec. 4, moments after Nelms hit a three-pointer at the final buzzer to cement a 42-34 home victory over Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle schoolers sweep opposition

Robbinsville – Things are clicking at the right time for the middle school basketball program.
Micah York had a breakout performance Tuesday against Murphy, dropping 22 points in Robbinsville’s lopsided victory over the Bulldogs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Micah York had a breakout performance Tuesday against Murphy, dropping 22 points in Robbinsville’s lopsided victory over the Bulldogs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school Knights claim back-to-back wins

Robbinsville – After submitting a shaky showing in its season debut Nov. 3, the middle school Black Knights have more than made up for its initial foray into the 2025-26 slate. Consecutive wins from Robbinsville (2-1) included a delayed 50-23 home trouncing of the Murphy Bulldogs on Tuesday.
Robbinsville's McKynlee Adams splits the defense of Hayesville's Ayden Margo (24) and Kaelyn Cook (2) during Monday's season opener. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's McKynlee Adams splits the defense of Hayesville's Ayden Margo (24) and Kaelyn Cook (2) during Monday's season opener. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Middle school basketball drops season openers

Robbinsville – Things just did not click for the Knights on Monday.
Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights drop conference matches

Jayden Chekelelee sets the ball during Sept. 25’s JV match at Murphy. Robbinsville – As teams in the Smoky Mountain Conference jockey for a playoff spot, the Lady Knights recently dropped a pair of pivotal matches in the race. A visit to Murphy on Sept.
Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights hampered by 3-match skid

Robbinsville – Tough opposition has given the Lady Knights fits over the past week. A visit to Swain County on Sept.
Robbinsville head coach Billy Knight receives a customary bath Monday, after leading the Lady Knights to their 17th Smoky Mountain Conference title. Delivering the free shower were Loxley Burke (not visible), Anna Williams (4) and Kynadee Spencer (1). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville head coach Billy Knight receives a customary bath Monday, after leading the Lady Knights to their 17th Smoky Mountain Conference title. Delivering the free shower were Loxley Burke (not visible), Anna Williams (4) and Kynadee Spencer (1). Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

And still ...

Robbinsville – Until another contender steps up to the plate, Lady Knights softball will maintain its monopoly over the Smoky Mountain Conference. The program's 17th divisional title was clinched Monday, thanks to a 5-0 blanking of the visiting Swain County Lady Devils.
Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor gets lost in a sea of Lady Knight players Friday, as she was greeted at home plate following her go-ahead home run against Murphy. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor gets lost in a sea of Lady Knight players Friday, as she was greeted at home plate following her go-ahead home run against Murphy. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Counterstrike

Robbinsville – Tied 4-4 entering the bottom of the sixth, Friday’s Smoky Mountain Conference rematch between the Lady Knights and Murphy was in need of just one clutch hit from one clutch player. With one out, Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor answered the call.
Under the hot pursuit of Swain County’s Miley Teav (11), Abby Wehr breaks up the floor during the second half of Friday’s win over the Lady Devils. Wehr led Robbinsville with 15 points in the victory. Photo by Kensie Belk/The Graham Star

Under the hot pursuit of Swain County’s Miley Teav (11), Abby Wehr breaks up the floor during the second half of Friday’s win over the Lady Devils. Wehr led Robbinsville with 15 points in the victory. Photo by Kensie Belk/The Graham Star

Knights vie for a bye

Novie Dutcher sizes up a free throw during Friday’s JV girls win over Swain County.