FRANKLIN—Thursday night was a statement game for the Franklin girls’ basketball team.

The Lady Broncos pounded Appomattox Regional Governor’s school 81-48, the only Tri-Rivers District team to beat Franklin this year, in the Group A Region A Division I semifinals.

Franklin advances to the Region A Group A Division I championship game at Surry County High School at 6 p.m. Saturday. Franklin will face either Mathews or West Point and is guaranteed a spot in the Group A state playoffs win or lose.

The Lady Broncos jumped out to a 16-2 lead in the first quarter using a fast-break offense, which was fueled by the defense. Franklin held Roslyn Presley, the Tri-Rivers District Player of the Year, to just 2 points in the first quarter.

Presley, though, hit her stride in the second quarter and led an ARGS comeback. The Lady Dragons closed the gap to 24-20 with 4:11 to play in the second quarter on a drive by Presley, her sixth point of the quarter.

Franklin then scored the next 11 points, forcing turnovers and picking up easy buckets.

In the fourth quarter, Franklin went on a 15-2 run mid-period to clinch the victory.

Timia Hobbs and Kiara Lee led the Lady Broncos (21-3) with 16 points apiece. Presley finished with 19 points for ARGS.