LadyDevils

Robbinsville’s Kellen Ensley brushed off a desperate attempt by North Henderson’s Aden Slusser to break up this standing single-leg to win the 215-pound bout in the third period Jan. 22. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Kellen Ensley brushed off a desperate attempt by North Henderson’s Aden Slusser to break up this standing single-leg to win the 215-pound bout in the third period Jan. 22. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Full steam ahead

Robbinsville – State duals are right around the corner, but no matter the format in front of them when the Black Knights arrive to a gym, there is no disputing that the program is wrestling in top form. After celebrating Senior Night on Jan.
Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school Black Knight Brayden Allison prepares to shoot around the defense of Murphy’s John Parker Watson during Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school splits the bill

Bryson City – A clean sweep of Swain County by Robbinsville on Dec. 5 was followed by a shaky showing at home Monday. The middle school Lady Knights (5-4) exorcised the Devils 54-16, while the Black Knights (4-5) cast out the demons 47-44.
Hazeleigh Driver (right) traps a Swain County ball handler during Monday’s lopsided victory over the Lady Devils. Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Hazeleigh Driver (right) traps a Swain County ball handler during Monday’s lopsided victory over the Lady Devils. Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Black Knights sweep tip-off

Robbinsville Middle School’s Peyton Weaver sizes up a free throw late in Monday’s season opener against Swain County. Photo by Alex Parton/The Graham Star Robbinsville – One game evolved into a blowout; the other, a nailbiter. Both ended the same way, however: Robbinsville in the win column.
The Lady Knights prepare to defend the back row Tuesday against Swain County. Pictured are Claire Barlow, Daphne Barlow (5), Ryn Hooper and Liz Carpenter (20). Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

The Lady Knights prepare to defend the back row Tuesday against Swain County. Pictured are Claire Barlow, Daphne Barlow (5), Ryn Hooper and Liz Carpenter (20). Photo by Cheyanne Geyer/The Graham Star

Knights fighting for postseason spot

Robbinsville – Tuesday was one of the most important matches for Lady Knights volleyball in quite some time. Attempting to stay in the playoff conversation, Robbinsville held its annual “Pink Night” – a fundraiser for the Graham Cancer Support Group – by hosting Swain County.
Robbinsville senior Liz Carpenter (20) looks to tip the ball past Hiwassee Dam’s Olivia McNabb during Monday’s sweep of the Lady Eagles. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Liz Carpenter (20) looks to tip the ball past Hiwassee Dam’s Olivia McNabb during Monday’s sweep of the Lady Eagles. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Conference struggles continue

Cherokee – Two matches stand between the Lady Knights and a long-awaited return to the friendly confines of home. Robbinsville has been inundated with road matches this year, including playing the first 5-of-6 Smoky Mountain Conference affairs outside its home gym.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights celebrate after winning a hard-fought volley Aug. 29 at Andrews. Visible are Daphne Barlow (left), Claire Barlow, Suri Watty (6) and Liz Carpenter. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

The Robbinsville Lady Knights celebrate after winning a hard-fought volley Aug. 29 at Andrews. Visible are Daphne Barlow (left), Claire Barlow, Suri Watty (6) and Liz Carpenter. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Back on track

Cashiers – Tonight’s game against Hiwassee Dam will be the first time Robbinsville has touched its home court for a volleyball match in 16 days. A lengthy road trip concluded Monday and Tuesday, with back-to-back trips to the Highlands/Cashiers plateau.
Nothing could erase the smile of Anna Williams (4), who was greeted by her exuberant teammates following her first varsity home run Monday against Enka. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Nothing could erase the smile of Anna Williams (4), who was greeted by her exuberant teammates following her first varsity home run Monday against Enka. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Sugar Jets end Robbinsville’s perfect run

Robbinsville – Entering Monday, the question was seriously being floated around the area: can anyone derail the Robbinsville Lady Knights this year?

Stream-lined rally

Candler – Down to their last three outs, it was gut check time for the Lady Knights. Robbinsville (3-0, 1-1) trailed Enka (2-1) 11-7, as March 7’s trip to suburban Asheville reached the top of the seventh.
Sophomore guard Suri Watty (right) keeps a watchful eye on the outside antics of Hayesville’s Breanna Abrams during Tuesday’s loss in the semifinals of the conference tournament at Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Sophomore guard Suri Watty (right) keeps a watchful eye on the outside antics of Hayesville’s Breanna Abrams during Tuesday’s loss in the semifinals of the conference tournament at Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Inconsistency dooms Lady Knights

Cherokee – If the Lady Knights can get into a full-game groove, look out. Flashes of the potential Robbinsville (No. 3 seed, 16-8) has still yet to tap into were on display in the first quarter of Tuesday’s Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament pairing against Hayesville (No. 2, 20-5).