SMCBB

Freshman point guard Zayleigh Chekelelee releases a halftime buzzer-beater attempt during Robbinsville's season opener at Copper Basin on Dec. 1. Chekelelee scored 17 in the Lady Knights' home debut Friday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights tame Bobcats in home opener

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Robbinsville – The home debut of the varsity basketball program Friday can only be viewed as a rousing success. Welcoming Blue Ridge School, the Lady Knights improved to 1-1 with a 51-19 victory in the opener.

Black Knights senior Dane Knott unleashed six 3's on the Copper Basin (Tenn.) Cougars in Monday's season opener, which played a key role in Robbinsville collecting a victory. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights tame Cougars in season debut

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 5, 2025

Copperhill, Tenn. – If Monday's season opener is any indication of what lies ahead, the Robbinsville Black Knights are going to be a team to watch at a statewide level this season.

Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley discusses strategy with his players during a timeout at Monday's scrimmage against Murphy. Robbinsville finished its summer with 18 exhibitions under its belt. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Practice makes perfect

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Robbinsville – If Monday's exhibitions are any indication, another Smoky Mountain Conference title could very well be in the immediate future of Black Knights basketball. Hosting Murphy and Andrews for a pair of scrimmages, Robbinsville went through its playbook with a roster of 10 at its disposal.

He’s back!

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Robbinsville – It’s rare that a coach comes out of retirement on a fourth occasion – and with an undefeated streak on the line, no less.

Bryce Adams looks for a way to evade the defense of Bradford Preparatory Academy’s Isaiah Poston during the first round of the state playoffs Feb. 25. Adams was recently named the Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Player of the Year. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Tip of the cap

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Robbinsville – When you get down to brass tacks, Bryce Adams was the only clear choice for the 2024-25 Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Player of the Year.

Lucas Ford draws up a play during a timeout Feb. 15, in the quarterfinals of the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament against Murphy. Ford stepped down as the Lady Knights head coach at the conclusion of the season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Ford resigns as varsity girls basketball coach

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Robbinsville – What was supposed to be a temporary gig turned into one of the longest coaching tenures in Lady Knights basketball history. Announced as the new Robbinsville High School athletic director and head football coach Feb.

Lady Knights freshman Zaelyn Phillips evades Murphy’s Cayla Geer for a lay-up attempt during Feb. 15’s conference-tournament quarterfinal. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights eliminated by Union Academy

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Monroe – After three quarters of tightly-knit basketball, Robbinsville’s varsity girls were unable to suppress Union Academy’s main weapon any longer. Only trailing 40-36 at the dawn of the fourth, senior guard Ranon Suttle scored 11 of the Lady Cardinals’ 22 points in the final segment.

Robbinsville senior Roman Jones tries to shirk a Bradford Prep defender while charging toward the basket during Tuesday’s first-round playoff game. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights fall to Bradford Prep Bears

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Bryce Adams pushes a shot over the defense of Andrews’ Ty Clark and Kegan Ellis in the second half of Saturday’s conference-tournament finale. Adams ended his basketball tenure with the Knights as the program’s all-time leading scorer. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.

Bentley Riggins stretches for a second-half layup in Saturday’s conference-tournament opener against Murphy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Stunning openers

Kevin Hensley

Friday, February 21, 2025

Junior varsity Lady Knight MyKayla McGuire cuts around a Cherokee defender and toward the paint late in Monday’s quarterfinal game with the Lady Braves.

Bryce Adams looks to outmaneuver Murphy’s Connor Golden during the first half of Tuesday’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament semifinal. Adams became the all-time scoring leader for Robbinsville Black Knights basketball in the game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

On the dance floor

Kevin Hensley

Friday, February 21, 2025

Eli Lambert launches a free throw during Feb. 7’s JV game against Swain County. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star Hayesville – Friday’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament finals will give Robbinsville a chance to win the season series with Andrews. But so much more is at stake.