The 2022 Franklin County Tournament will be held at Vina High School, beginning Jan. 11 and continuing through Jan. 15.

The Belgreen Bulldogs (14-3) will be a heavy favorite to win the varsity boys division of the tournament – but that’s not something Belgreen coach Marty Cooper is banking on.

“Being the top seed means nothing,” said Cooper, who has led the Bulldogs to back-to-back titles. “All it means is that the other teams will be working that much harder to knock us off.”

The varsity girls division looks to be more balanced and open than any tournament in recent memory.

Tharptown (7-6) will enter the tournament as the top seed and already has wins over Belgreen, Phil Campbell and Red Bay this year.

“Being the top seed is something to be proud of, but this year the tournament is wide open,”  said Tharptown coach Tanna Benford. “Any of the teams could win it. We were unable to play Vina because of sickness; we’ve played all of the others, and they were all competitive games that a play here or there could have made the difference in a win or loss.

“It’ll definitely be a hard-fighting tournament for all of us.”

Phil Campbell (8-8) has won four consecutive tournament titles and, as the second seed in the tournament, is well positioned to defend that streak.

“This should be a good girls tournament,” said Phil Campbell coach Craig Thomas. “Our girls are very motivated to keep our streak going, but they are going to have to play two very good games to do it. Any team could win it this year.”

There are a few changes to this year’s tournament. There will be five different divisions: A-Junior boys, JV girls, B-Varsity boys, varsity girls and varsity boys. The A-Junior girls, B-Junior girls and B-Junior boys division games were held in December.

Another change will be admission to the tournament. This year, tickets must be purchased online on the GoFan app or at GoFan.co. Tickets may be purchased by the day and are good for all games on that day. Search any school in Franklin County in the app or online to make ticket purchases. Admission will be $6.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 11

5 p.m. – Varsity Girls: Vina (5-10) versus Red Bay (4-12)

6:30 p.m. – Varsity Boys: Vina (2-12) versus Tharptown (1-13)

Jan. 13

4:30 p.m. – A-Junior Boys: East Franklin (1-11) versus Phil Campbell (7-0)

6 p.m. – Varsity Girls: Vina or Red Bay versus Tharptown (7-6)

7:30 p.m. – Varsity Boys: Vina or Tharptown versus Belgreen (14-3)

Jan. 14

4:30 p.m. – B-Varsity Boys: Belgreen (3-3) versus Phil Campbell (9-5)

6 p.m. – Varsity Girls: Belgreen (7-8) versus Phil Campbell (8-8)

7:30 p.m. – Varsity Boys: Phil Campbell (7-9) versus Red Bay (9-8)

Jan. 15

1 p.m. – A-Junior Boys Finals: East Franklin or Phil Campbell versus Tharptown (7-0)

2:30 p.m. JV Girls Finals: Phil Campbell (2-10) versus Vina (3-7)

4 p.m. – B-Varsity Boys Finals: Belgreen or Phil Campbell versus Red Bay (7-3)

5:30 p.m. – Varsity Girls Finals

7 p.m. – Varsity Boys Finals