FRANKLIN—In a battle to the end, the Franklin boys defeated Sussex Central 57-56 in a Tri-Rivers District match on Friday.

The Broncos improved to 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the district.

Sussex had six players score in the first quarter. Sussex’s TyQuan Johnson hit a three at the buzzer to move the team ahead 18-10.

The Broncos responded in the second quarter with a 25-10 run, giving Franklin a 35-28 halftime lead.

“We started getting the ball out quickly and made a great run,” said Franklin Coach Danny Dillon. “It was one of the best quarters we have put together all year, and it ended up making the difference in the game.”

Adam Grant scored 11 points in the second quarter while Tyshaun Lowe added 7. Both were named WLQM players of the week for Dec. 12 through Jan. 2.

Sussex stepped up pressure in the second half.

Charles Bryant of Sussex had 16 of his 18 points in the second half.

Franklin led 47-44 going into the fourth quarter. There were several lead changes in the quarter as well as in the final minute.

Sussex took a 54-53 lead with a minute to go, when Franklin’s Tyshaun Lowe drove the baseline and kicked it out to Deronte Holmes, who hit the open 15-footer to put Franklin up by one.

The Broncos were down 56-55 with 30 seconds to go. Franklin put up several shots, but none fell until Jalen Vincent rebounded and made a lay-up for the win.

“To God be the glory, our boys were so smart down the stretch and capitalized on our opportunities,” Dillon said. “I love the way our guys are getting it done in the fourth quarter.”

Bryant led all scorers with 20 points. Lowe had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Grant finished with 16 points.