Sports

Senior first baseman Jaxon Hursey makes an off-balance throw to first versus Tuscola on McConnell Field March 12. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Senior first baseman Jaxon Hursey makes an off-balance throw to first versus Tuscola on McConnell Field March 12. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

3 named All-M7C for baseball

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Panther baseball was well represented on the All-Conference team this year. At the end of the regular season this spring, Mountain Seven coaches met for their annual postseason meeting to discuss conference business.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther hoops legend Lee Scruggs (back) is pictured with members of his Team Swish amateur travel team after winning the Phenom Hoops Tournament in Rock Hill, South Carolina, this spring.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther hoops legend Lee Scruggs (back) is pictured with members of his Team Swish amateur travel team after winning the Phenom Hoops Tournament in Rock Hill, South Carolina, this spring.

Scruggs’ Team Swish gives back to WNC hoops

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
For most college recruiters, WNC has never been sought-after for its basketball talent. When Panther legend Lee Scruggs graduated in 1997, going on to play at Georgetown and professional leagues all over the world, his unique mix of size and skillset was unprecedented in the area’s history.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior forward Greg Karcher (wearing black) beats Highlands goalkeeper Chase Kenter in Franklin’s 11-2 season-opening rout Aug. 12.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior forward Greg Karcher (wearing black) beats Highlands goalkeeper Chase Kenter in Franklin’s 11-2 season-opening rout Aug. 12.

Soccer splits w/Highlands, Henderson to open season

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The regular season is underway for Panther men’s soccer. After months of offseason workouts and practice, on the week of Aug. 12 Franklin kicked off their regular season with two nonconference matches versus WNC rivals.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior outside hitter Kyrah Bowles prepares for a spike in Franklin’s home opener versus Murphy Aug. 15.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior outside hitter Kyrah Bowles prepares for a spike in Franklin’s home opener versus Murphy Aug. 15.

Volleyball starts season 3-0

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
With three matches in the books, Panther volleyball has not lost a set. In the first week of the regular season, Franklin hit the ground running with three non-conference matches, traveling to Swain and Robbinsville and hosting Murphy in their home opener.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Cali Queen lifts a ball over the net in a home scrimmage versus Cherokee Aug. 8.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Cali Queen lifts a ball over the net in a home scrimmage versus Cherokee Aug. 8.

Volleyball hosts final preseason scrimmages

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Panther volleyball is locked and loaded for the regular season. Having finalized their rosters after team tryouts July 31, on Aug. 8 Franklin’s varsity and JV teams hosted their final scrimmages before the regular season.
Press file photo - Then-freshman Morgan Cress nears the finish line in a meet at the Cherokee Mother Town near Ela last fall.

Press file photo - Then-freshman Morgan Cress nears the finish line in a meet at the Cherokee Mother Town near Ela last fall.

Fall teams prepare for regular season

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Cross Country After a stellar season from its underclassmen girls last fall, Franklin should boast one of 3A’s best teams for years to come.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior outside hitter and 2023 All-Mountain Seven selection Kyrah Bowles lifts a ball over the net in a preseason scrimmage versus Hayesville July 30.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior outside hitter and 2023 All-Mountain Seven selection Kyrah Bowles lifts a ball over the net in a preseason scrimmage versus Hayesville July 30.

Volleyball scrimmages rivals, finalizes rosters

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Panther volleyball’s quest for a second straight conference title will soon begin. On Tuesday, July 30, the reigning Mountain Seven Champions traveled to Smoky Mountain for the Mustangs’ annual day of preseason scrimmages.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Group plans charity softball marathon

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
A unique event will attempt to raise funds for three Franklin-area charities this fall. Throughout the past several years, Franklin has been nothing if not softball-obsessed, consistently fielding some of WNC’s best little league, middle and high school teams.
Press photo/Will Woolever - The Franklin Amateur Swim Team contingent is pictured at the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in Greensboro last weekend.

Press photo/Will Woolever - The Franklin Amateur Swim Team contingent is pictured at the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in Greensboro last weekend.

Fins attend Junior Olympics

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Franklin’s fastest swimmers have ended their summer seasons in a national meet. Throughout the middle school, high school and Franklin Amateur Swim Team campaigns this past year, swimmers have attempted to meet strict time standards to qualify for the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics.
Photo/Tennessee Smokies - The Tennessee Smokies (right) and the Rocket City Trash Pandas (left) stand on the field for the national anthem on opening day, April 5, at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee.

Photo/Tennessee Smokies - The Tennessee Smokies (right) and the Rocket City Trash Pandas (left) stand on the field for the national anthem on opening day, April 5, at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee.

Why WNC is a great place for baseball fans

News Staff
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Cannon Crompton - sports@cherokeescout.com   Despite not having a professional baseball team in Western North Carolina, this area is secretly a great spot for fans of America’s favorite pastime.