Sports

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.
Junior guard Max McClure (center) celebrates with junior center Brayden Hervey (left) and junior forward Brennan Cabe after sinking a game-winning 3-pointer versus Pisgah Jan. 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Junior guard Max McClure (center) celebrates with junior center Brayden Hervey (left) and junior forward Brennan Cabe after sinking a game-winning 3-pointer versus Pisgah Jan. 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Men’s hoops stun Pisgah in thriller

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
It was a pulse-pounding week for Panther men’s hoops. Rapidly nearing the end of the season, Franklin settled in for a two-game home stand, hosting Mountain Seven rivals Pisgah and North Henderson on Tom Raby Court.
Press file photo - Senior Talley Kinsland (left) and junior Addison Coker compete in the 55-meter hurdles at Swain Jan. 24.

Press file photo - Senior Talley Kinsland (left) and junior Addison Coker compete in the 55-meter hurdles at Swain Jan. 24.

Track wins WNC title, prepares for state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Panther track and field is gearing up for their biggest meet of the year. After winning the WNC Championships in Polk County Jan. 29, the Panthers set their sights on the 3A state title meet Feb. 10.
Photo courtesy of Amy Ballard - Members of Panther swim and dive are pictured at the 3A West Regional in Charlotte Feb. 3.

Photo courtesy of Amy Ballard - Members of Panther swim and dive are pictured at the 3A West Regional in Charlotte Feb. 3.

Swim impresses at Regional

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Panther swim and dive are among the top teams in their region. At the 3A West Regional Meet in Charlotte Feb. 2-3, WNC’s elite 3A teams gathered for two days of stiff competition.
Press file photo - Freshman Eleanor Kessler finishes the 100-yard backstroke at T.C. Roberson Jan. 13.

Press file photo - Freshman Eleanor Kessler finishes the 100-yard backstroke at T.C. Roberson Jan. 13.

Swimming earns women’s M7C title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Panther women’s swim and dive are champions of the Mountain Seven. On Tuesday, Jan. 23, the conference’s five teams gathered at the Waynesville Recreation Center for their annual championship meet.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Adam Rogers competes in the high jump at Swain Jan. 24.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Adam Rogers competes in the high jump at Swain Jan. 24.

Track leads WNC Championships at halfway point

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Panther track and field are closing in on a conference title. On the week of Jan. 22, Franklin had just three meets left on the schedule, including a trip to Swain Jan. 24 and the start of the Western North Carolina Championships Jan. 27.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther cheer and dance prepares for the Universal Cheerleaders’ Association National High School Championships in Orlando Feb. 10 at a recent practice in Discover Church.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther cheer and dance prepares for the Universal Cheerleaders’ Association National High School Championships in Orlando Feb. 10 at a recent practice in Discover Church.

Cheer places Top-3 at state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
FHS cheer and dance are among the top teams in the state. On Jan. 19, the Panthers traveled to Mocksville for one of their biggest contests of the year, the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches’ Association State Championship.
Press file photo - Freshman Lance Parker drives to the basket versus Smoky Mountain Jan. 12.

Press file photo - Freshman Lance Parker drives to the basket versus Smoky Mountain Jan. 12.

Varsity basketball falls to W. Henderson

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
It’s crowded at the top of the Mountain Seven standings. Heading into the week of Jan. 15, Panther hoops were in the thick of the race, with both men’s and women’s varsity teams boasting 4-1 records in the conference. In losses at West Henderson Jan.