Sports

Press photo/Will Woolever - Ryland Angel navigates the fourth green at the Franklin Golf Course Feb. 29.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Ryland Angel navigates the fourth green at the Franklin Golf Course Feb. 29.

Golf defeats Pisgah, Smoky

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Panther men’s golf should be set up for success this year. After an excellent 2023, placing second in the Mountain Seven Conference and competing in the 3A West Regional, on the final week of February Franklin made their much-anticipated return.
Press file photo - Junior guard Max McClure attempts a short jump shot versus Pisgah Feb. 19.

Press file photo - Junior guard Max McClure attempts a short jump shot versus Pisgah Feb. 19.

Varsity hoops fall in state playoffs

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
The season is over for Panther varsity hoops. On Feb. 27, Franklin’s men’s and women’s teams tipped off the 3A state playoffs, traveling to North Lincoln and Ashe County, respectively. Despite losses to the Huskies and Knights, both teams capped strong 2023-24 season.
Photo courtesy of Bekah Brooks - Franklin’s JV women’s basketball team is pictured with its Mountain Seven Conference title plaque Feb. 22.

Photo courtesy of Bekah Brooks - Franklin’s JV women’s basketball team is pictured with its Mountain Seven Conference title plaque Feb. 22.

JV girls win Mountain 7 title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Panther women’s JV hoops are Mountain Seven Champions. After edging out West Henderson in the conference semifinal, on Feb. 22 the team geared up for their last game of the season.
Press file photo - Brooks shouts instructions to his players against Hendersonville March 12, 2021.

Press file photo - Brooks shouts instructions to his players against Hendersonville March 12, 2021.

Brooks returns to Panther football

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
The winningest coach in Panther football history is back by popular demand. After 18 years, 141 wins and 15 playoff appearances, last November Josh Brooks stepped down as one of the program’s greatest-ever figures.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Sophomore center Meliah Mason (left) and freshman guard Rylee Green fight for a loose ball versus West Henderson Feb. 15.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Sophomore center Meliah Mason (left) and freshman guard Rylee Green fight for a loose ball versus West Henderson Feb. 15.

JV women make 8th-straight final

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Panther women’s JV hoops are on to the conference final. After another excellent season, winning 14 of their 17 games, on Feb. 15 the team tipped off Round 1 of the Mountain Seven Tournament.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior guard Aubrey Haley attempts a 3-point shot versus Tuscola Feb. 16.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior guard Aubrey Haley attempts a 3-point shot versus Tuscola Feb. 16.

Hoops advance to M7 semis - Varsity women rout Tuscola

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Panther women’s hoops are on to the conference semis.  After another strong year in the Mountain Seven, on Feb. 16 Franklin tipped off the conference tournament, hosting Tuscola on Tom Raby Court in a first-round game.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Max McClure attempts a shot versus Pisgah Feb. 16. The guard recorded his 1,000th point for Franklin in the second quarter.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Max McClure attempts a shot versus Pisgah Feb. 16. The guard recorded his 1,000th point for Franklin in the second quarter.

Hoops advance to M7 semis - McClure scores 1,000th point

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Panther men’s varsity hoops are on to the conference semifinal. After another strong regular season, winning 15 of their 23 games, on Feb. 16 Franklin tipped off the Mountain Seven Tournament.
Senior Claire Ballard (top) competes in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 3A State Championship Feb. 8. She placed seventh overall and broke her own school record with a time of 1:10.92.

Senior Claire Ballard (top) competes in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 3A State Championship Feb. 8. She placed seventh overall and broke her own school record with a time of 1:10.92.

Swim and dive defies odds at state

News Staff
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
A stellar season is at an end for Panther swim and dive. After a strong showing at the 3A West Regional, placing fifth in women’s scoring and 12th in the men’s, on Feb. 6 the team traveled to Raleigh for the 3A State Championship.
In this Press file photo, junior Max McClure attempts a free-throw line jumper versus Pisgah Jan. 30. At Smoky Mountain Feb. 6, the forward scored 47 points, breaking Franklin’s all-time single-game points record.

In this Press file photo, junior Max McClure attempts a free-throw line jumper versus Pisgah Jan. 30. At Smoky Mountain Feb. 6, the forward scored 47 points, breaking Franklin’s all-time single-game points record.

McClure sets single-game points record

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Panther men’s hoops have advanced to the Mountain Seven Conference Tournament. On the week of Feb. 5, the team played their final games of the regular season, traveling to Smoky Mountain and hosting West Henderson and Swain.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Ward - Members of Panther men’s track and field are pictured with their runners- up plaque at the 3A state Championship in Winston-Salem Feb. 10.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Ward - Members of Panther men’s track and field are pictured with their runners- up plaque at the 3A state Championship in Winston-Salem Feb. 10.

Track places 2nd, 4th at state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Panther track and field are among the top five teams in 3A for the second straight year. After placing first on the men’s side and second on the women’s at last year’s Indoor State Championship, both Franklin teams entered the winter season as one of 3A’s top contenders.