CHARLES CITY—Franklin improved to 5-1 in the Tri-Rivers District with a 78-72 Tuesday win over previously undefeated Charles City.

Charles City drop to 4-1 in the district.

“Our boys continue to get better,” said Franklin Coach Danny Dillon. “Tonight they played with everything they had for 32 minutes.”

“While everyone else was taking a long Christmas break, these guys were in the gym every day three to four hours practicing,” Dillon added. “It’s paying off now.”

Franklin was up 10- 2 a few minutes into the game. Charles City mounted several comebacks, but never took the lead.

At halftime, Franklin led 35-28. At the end of the third quarter, freshman Adam Grant hit a three in the corner to keep Franklin up 54-47. Charles City later cut Franklin’s lead to within two points.

“The Broncos were an amazing 19-for-21 from the free throw line,” Dillon said. “I just want to praise these guys for all their hard work. The way we closed it out from the line was flat out impressive.”

“In eight years of head coaching and four years of assisting, we have never had that

high of a free throw percentage in one game,” he added.

Tyshaun Lowe led Franklin with 30 points and 13 rebounds. Grant scored 26 points and made 10 assists.

Sophomore Antonio Harris led the Cougars with 26 points.