As 2023 gets underway, basketball has claimed center stage right now in high school athletics. This is primetime for on-the-court action in Franklin County with the return of the annual Franklin County Tournament.

The junior high division of the annual tourney is already completed; ninth-grade boys and varsity action began Tuesday.

We’d like to wish all the best to all the athletes as well as the coaches across all Franklin County teams. All of our student-athletes and their fearless leaders are to be commended for putting it all on the line for their schools.

These in-county tournaments represent a time-honored tradition for our county teams. We hope you’ll make plans to attend one or more games; they’ll continue Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For a complete schedule, turn to page B2.

Whether or not your own child or grandchild is hitting the court, we can almost guarantee someone you know would love to hear you cheering them on – a neighbor kid, a fellow church member or the niece or nephew of a friend, perhaps.

Let’s take pride, and show pride, in our Red Devils, Bobcats, Wildcats, Tigers, Golden Tigers, Rebels and Bulldogs. Win or lose, we say well done for all your hard work.

There are so many talented student-athletes here in Franklin County who never cease to amaze. If you know one of these dedicated young people, be sure to give them a pat on the back.

You can get all the news on final scores and thrilling plays in our sports pages of next week’s Franklin County Times.