There are so many talented student-athletes here in Franklin County who never cease to amaze. Basketball has center stage right now, and this is primetime for the high school sport in Franklin County with the return of the Franklin County Tournament.

We’d like to offer up our encouragement to all varsity county teams as they face off on the court. Games began yesterday, with Tharptown girls versus Red Bay and Tharptown boys versus – game results not available at press time – and the action will continue tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Phil Campbell.

We also want to send out our congratulations to the four winning teams of this year’s junior high tourney. Red Bay made an unbelievable  showing, taking the title in the A-Junior Boys, B-Junior Boys and B-Junior Girls. Phil Campbell staked a claim as well, grabbing the A-Junior Girls trophy.

We know many of you attended these games, cheering on your children and grandchildren, your students and your friends, and many of you will show the same support for your varsity favorite. It is an exciting time on the court for Franklin County.

This in-county tournament is a time-honored tradition for all of our county teams, and we join all of you in taking pride in our Red Devils, Bobcats, Wildcats, Tigers and Bulldogs. Win or lose, well done for all your hard work.

We hope you’ll make plans to attend a game of the varsity tourney, but even if you aren’t able, there’s still a little of basketball season left to enjoy. Additionally, you can get all the news on final scores and thrilling plays on our sports page – turn over there this week for the junior high recap and next week for the varsity results.

We think all of our student-athletes, and their coaches, are to be commended for putting it all on the line for their schools. If you know one of these dedicated student-athletes, be sure to give them a pat on the back for a job well done.