Sports

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Gavin Rinker tries to chase down a ball in Franklin’s #1 singles match versus Tuscola March 4.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Gavin Rinker tries to chase down a ball in Franklin’s #1 singles match versus Tuscola March 4.

Tennis falls to Tuscola, routs East

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
The season is underway for Panther men’s tennis. After a successful 2023, finishing second in the Mountain Seven Conference and playing in the state playoffs’ second round, on the week of March 4 Franklin finally returned to action.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Sophomore shortstop Ashlyn McConnell throws to first after a difficult sliding catch versus T.C. Roberson March 5.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Sophomore shortstop Ashlyn McConnell throws to first after a difficult sliding catch versus T.C. Roberson March 5.

Tran walk-off defeats Smoky

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
It’s two wins down, 17 to go for Panther softball. After a stellar 2023, winning the Mountain Seven Conference and playing in the second round of the state playoffs, on the first week of March Franklin finally returned to action. In wins over T.C.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Addison Coker competes in the long jump at Swain Nov. 29, 2023.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Addison Coker competes in the long jump at Swain Nov. 29, 2023.

Track opens outdoor season in Toccoa, GA

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
The outdoor season is underway for Franklin track and field. Less than three weeks after the indoor state meet, in which they placed second among men’s 3A teams and fourth among 3A women, on Feb. 29 the powerhouse Panthers returned to action.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Abram Apel pitches to Murphy in Franklin’s season-opening win Feb. 29.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Abram Apel pitches to Murphy in Franklin’s season-opening win Feb. 29.

Baseball beats Murphy in season opener

Will Woolever
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
It’s one win down, 21 to go for Panther baseball. After months of preseason workouts, on Feb. 29 Franklin began their spring campaign, hosting Murphy in their season opener on McConnell Field. In a 3-1 win over the Bulldogs, Jared Greenwood’s team started off their year on the right foot.
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.