Myrtle Beach, SC, December 21, 2025
The Carolina Forest Panthers boys basketball team showcased their resilience and skills in a closely contested non-league game against Franklin County High School. Winning 71-69, the Panthers demonstrated teamwork and adaptability, building character through this challenging matchup. The event, held at Carolina Forest High School, energized local fans and highlighted the importance of community support in high school sports. Notable performances from various players affirmed the competitive spirit of this early season game, setting the stage for future success as the Panthers continue their season.
Myrtle Beach, SC –
Panthers Edge Franklin County in Thrilling Non-League Bout
The Carolina Forest Panthers boys basketball team delivered a testament to grit and discipline, securing a hard-fought non-league victory against Franklin County High School in a competitive matchup on their home court. This pivotal game showcased the importance of early-season challenges in forging team character and setting the stage for future triumphs.
High school sports in Myrtle Beach, SC, are more than just games; they are foundational experiences that teach young athletes invaluable life lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Friday night’s contest at Carolina Forest High School against a formidable out-of-state opponent from Georgia exemplified these core values, rallying the community around the Panthers as they showcased their competitive spirit.
The atmosphere in the Carolina Forest gymnasium was electric on Friday, December 19, 2025, as local fans gathered to witness a significant non-league boys varsity basketball game. The Carolina Forest Panthers, representing Myrtle Beach with pride, hosted Franklin County High School, a Class 2A team hailing from Georgia. Such interstate clashes are vital, providing unique challenges and opportunities that demand heightened strategic preparation and adaptability from young athletes. These matchups, like the one against Franklin County, push players to refine their skills and mental fortitude before the rigors of conference play commence, reinforcing the discipline instilled by their coaches.
A Nail-Biting Non-League Victory
The Panthers emerged victorious with a narrow 71-69 win, a result that underscores the intensity and balanced competition witnessed throughout the evening. This type of close contest is invaluable for a team’s growth, demanding focused execution and composure under pressure. The game took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM Eastern, at Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Strategic Play and Standout Performances
Under the guidance of Head Coach Emmanuel DeWalt, the Carolina Forest team emphasizes the essential character traits that sports instill, serving as a foundation for their development on and off the court. In this particular contest, the Panthers’ offensive firepower was evident, particularly in the first half where they accumulated 46 points, including 26 in the first quarter and 20 in the second, leading 46-31 at halftime. Key players like JJ Gray showcased their scoring ability, frequently draining three-pointers from his preferred right-wing spot, and converting an “and-one” layup early in the game. Kade Taylor contributed with quick turnaround shots, and Nixon Coney also found success from beyond the arc. Henry and Fischer also made significant plays, including Henry’s hustle to regain possession and Fischer capitalizing on backdoor cuts. For Franklin County, players like the Huff brothers (Bentley and Hudson Huff), Shaver, and Artister were actively involved in the game, demonstrating their efforts on both offense and defense.
Building Character and Leadership
Non-league games such as this one against Franklin County High School are crucial for assessing a team’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement, all while fostering resilience. The competitive environment of high school basketball, particularly against out-of-state opponents, encourages athletes to adapt to different playing styles and environments. This experience challenges them to develop discipline and mental fortitude, which are invaluable skills far beyond the basketball court. The Panthers’ ability to secure a victory in such a tight game highlights their cohesive teamwork and the strategic adjustments made throughout the contest.
Community Engagement and Support
The enthusiastic turnout of fans at Carolina Forest High School demonstrated the strong community support for local high school athletics. This engagement, which often includes local sponsorships from businesses, is vital in strengthening community identity and providing valuable opportunities for student-athletes. The presence of a lively home crowd can significantly boost team morale and provides an exciting experience for everyone involved. Such events not only celebrate competitive success but also reinforce the shared values of hard work and sportsmanship that bind the community together.
Looking Ahead for the Panthers
This victory improves the Carolina Forest Panthers’ overall record to 7-3. Franklin County entered the game with a 6-4 record. While a recap from MaxPreps noted Carolina Forest had recently faced a 74-38 loss to Loris High School and a 62-72 loss to Sumter, they also secured a 59-53 victory against Stratford. Franklin County had previously achieved several wins, including an 80-46 victory and a 61-47 victory against Oglethorpe County, a 63-42 victory over Westall, and a 61-50 victory against Washington Wilks. They also had a recent 76-69 loss to Commerce, a 64-40 loss to Habersham Central, and a 76-72 loss to Elbert County, followed by a 71-60 loss to Commerce again. Their two most recent games before facing Carolina Forest included a 62-46 victory against Daniel. The Panthers’ current season schedule includes upcoming matchups against Socastee, St. James, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach High School in January and February 2026, as well as their annual Panther Classic tournament taking place over New Year’s. These games will continue to provide opportunities for growth and competition within the South Carolina prep sports scene, preparing them for future challenges.
The thrilling win against Franklin County serves as a significant milestone in the Panthers’ journey this season, highlighting their collective discipline and commitment to excellence. It underscores the true spirit of Myrtle Beach SC high school basketball and the impactful role sports play in developing well-rounded individuals. We encourage all fans to continue following HEREmyrtlebeach.com for more updates on the Panthers and other local sports stories. Your attendance at local games and support for our high school athletic programs are crucial in fostering a strong sense of community and providing invaluable opportunities for our student-athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Carolina Forest Panthers vs. Franklin County High School basketball game?
The Carolina Forest Panthers boys basketball team won their non-league game against Franklin County High School with a final score of 71-69.
When did the Carolina Forest vs. Franklin County game take place?
The game took place on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Where is Franklin County High School from?
Franklin County High School is a Class 2A team from Georgia.
Who is the Head Coach for the Carolina Forest High School boys basketball team?
The Head Coach for the Carolina Forest High School boys basketball team is Emmanuel DeWalt.
What is the Carolina Forest Panthers’ overall record after this game?
After this victory, the Carolina Forest Panthers’ overall record improved to 7-3.
Key Features of the Panthers vs. Franklin County Bout
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Boys Varsity Basketball Game | Local |
| Teams | Carolina Forest Panthers vs. Franklin County High School | Local (Panthers), State-level (Franklin County from Georgia) |
| Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Local |
| Final Score | Carolina Forest 71, Franklin County 69 | Local |
| Game Type | Non-League Bout | Local |
| Location | Carolina Forest High School, Myrtle Beach, SC | Local |
| Carolina Forest Coach | Emmanuel DeWalt | Local |
| Carolina Forest Record (After Game) | 7-3 Overall | Local |
| Franklin County State | Georgia (Class 2A) | State-level |
| Franklin County Record (Before Game) | 6-4 Overall | State-level |
| Key Carolina Forest Players Mentioned | JJ Gray, Kade Taylor, Nixon Coney, Henry, Fischer, Johnson | Local |
| Key Franklin County Players Mentioned | Huff brothers (Bentley Huff, Hudson Huff), Shaver, Artister | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @forest_carolina (December 20, 2025): The Panthers boys basketball team secured a narrow 71-69 victory over Franklin County from Georgia, improving to 7-3 ahead of the Panther Classic tournament over New Year’s. View on X
- @jwedrasc (December 19, 2025): Horry County high school sports realignment announced, placing Carolina Forest and Socastee in 5A, Myrtle Beach and others in 4A, ahead of the upcoming season. View on X
- @BDunnsports (December 18, 2025): Latest SCBCA Top 10 rankings highlight Carolina Forest at No. 10 in 5A boys basketball, with Sumter climbing to No. 4 after recent regional matchups. View on X
- @GamecocksBball (December 16, 2025): Sumter Gamecocks boys basketball team defeats Carolina Forest 72-62 in a key 5A matchup, with standout performances from BJ Brown (25 points, 10 rebounds) and others, moving Sumter to 7-1. View on X
- @forest_carolina (December 19, 2025): Panthers boys basketball falls 38-74 to Loris, dropping to 6-3 before hosting Franklin County the next day. View on X
- @forest_carolina (December 16, 2025): Carolina Forest loses 62-72 to Sumter, now standing at 6-2, with the team set to face Loris next. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
