Fans at Friday's league challenge between the Franklin Panthers (Franklin, NC) and the host Smoky Mountain Mustangs (Sylva, NC), saw Franklin's basketball squad overcome Smoky Mountain by a tally of 57-47.

With the victory, Franklin improves its record to 12-2 on the campaign. The Panthers host West Henderson (Hendersonville, NC) to confront the Falcons in a 3A Conference 54 challenge on Tuesday, January 10. The Falcons come into the challenge with a record of 9-5. West Henderson lost 67-62 in their recent non-league challenge against Enka (Enka, NC)

Next up, the Mustangs confront the Tuscola Mountaineers (Waynesville, NC) in a 3A Conference 54 challenge, on Tuesday, January 10. Smoky Mountain will attempt to improve on its 5-9 season record. The Mountaineers come into the challenge with a 2-13 record after their 90-55 league loss to Pisgah (Canton, NC).