SMCBB

8 Knights named All-Conference

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.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state championship runner-up plaque at half-court March 11, after dropping the title game 58-44 to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state championship runner-up plaque at half-court March 11, after dropping the title game 58-44 to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights fall in 1A championship game

Winston-Salem – A magical run for Lady Knights basketball came to a disappointing end March 11.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state runner-up plaque Wednesday, just minutes after falling 58-44 in the title game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state runner-up plaque Wednesday, just minutes after falling 58-44 in the title game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights fall in 1A state title game

Winston-Salem – A magical run for Lady Knights basketball came to a disappointing end Wednesday afternoon.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights display the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 1A Western Regional Championship, moments after defeating Andrews 53-38 in the title game Thursday at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights display the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 1A Western Regional Championship, moments after defeating Andrews 53-38 in the title game Thursday at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights win 1A Western Regional title

Lady Knights senior Abby Wehr (3) evades the defense of Lady Wildcats Juliet Holloway (4) and Knox Davis (0) for a second-half basket Thursday. Hickory – Behind explosive first and third quarters, the Lady Knights punched their ticket to its initial state finals appearance Thursday.
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

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

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.
Robbinsville senior Abby Wehr splits the defense of Murphy's Kennedy White (3) and Emma Hensley (23) for a second-half lay-up attempt Feb. 12. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville senior Abby Wehr splits the defense of Murphy's Kennedy White (3) and Emma Hensley (23) for a second-half lay-up attempt Feb. 12. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights fall in tournament quarterfinals

Bella Coats shoots a foul shot during Feb. 12's junior varsity game at Murphy. Murphy – The Lady Knights entered the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament with vindication in mind. Sadly, the chance for redemption slipped away in the waning seconds of Feb. 17's quarterfinal clash with Andrews (No.
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

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.