From 1962 to 1976 the legendary Tom Raby roamed the sidelines as Head Coach for Franklin Panther Basketball.  When he retired the position after the '76 season he had amassed 285 wins.  A mark that, as of today, still stands as the record for all time wins at FHS.  His place in FHS history is unquestioned and prompted officials to name the court after the late Raby in recent years as Coach Tom Raby Court.

Doug Plemmons can surpass that 285 wins mark tonight in The Panther Den with his team's fifth win of the season. In Plemmons first stint as Head Coach at Franklin, from 1994 to 2009, he accumulated 263 wins.  Last year Plemmons returned to FHS as Head Coach and posted an 18-6 record bringing his career mark to 281 wins. His team's hot start at 4 wins and one loss has him tied with Raby at 285 wins.

Tonight his Panthers (4-1) will face the Swain County Maroon Devils (3-3).  The Panthers will be looking for their fifth win of 2018-2019 and career win 286 for Plemmons making him the all-time leader.  As fate would have it, Plemmons will be seeking his this career accomplishment against the very school where he grew up and was a standout player in the late 1970s.  

We expect The Panther Den to be packed.  Come early to get a seat.  For those that can't make it in person, you can catch all the action on the Franklin Panther Sports Network. Varsity Girls action will begin around 6pm.