Broncos blow out Panthers
Published 10:47 am Friday, January 17, 2014
FRANKLIN—The Franklin Broncos played their best basketball of the year, as they trounced Charles City Panthers by a score of 84-49. The Broncos came out from the jump and put up 25 points in the first quarter and held Charles City to 10 points. Corey Porter led the charge with 10 points in those eight minutes.
“We had four games in six days last week and we had signs of brilliance, and then at times we struggled,” said Head Coach Danny Dillon. “It was good to come out fresh and take the game away from a strong Charles City team.”
Franklin did not let up in the second quarter, as they took a 44-22 at halftime. The Broncos continued put pressure on the Panthers and would continue to dominate as they would win every quarter on their way to a 35-point win.
“Our focus tonight was on Antonio Harris,” Dillon said. “He averages 35 points a game and we held him to 19. The entire team runs through him and we were able to stop Charles City in every aspect of the game.
“We continue to get better, but have to play more consistent as the season goes on. The boys are growing as basketball players, but more importantly they are growing in character as we continue to teach them to love God, their families and one another. That is why we coach.”
Leading scorers for the Broncos Junior Corey Porter had a career high 24 points and 13 rebounds, Freshman Fred Lassiter and Senior Marcus Stephens both added 17 points. Sophomore Darrian Duck put in 10 points.
Franklin High took on four-time repeat Double A state champion Brunswick high school last Wednesday at home. Franklin almost pulled the upset, being up at 8 at halftime on the superior team. Franklin went cold shooting down the stretch to lose by a score of 58-47. Fred Lassiter chipped in team high 15 for the Broncos.
“We were prepared in all facets of the game Wednesday night but simply couldn’t knock down shots in second half,” Dillon said. “So good to see that we can play with one of the best teams in the state at every level!”
Friday night Franklin moved to 4-1 in Conference 41, as they beat Appomattox Regional Governors School in overtime by a score of 55-53. With two seconds left in overtime Corey Porter followed his own shot and tipped it in as time ran out.
Franklin’s Corey Porter and Fred Lassiter score 14 a piece on the night as Governors school Alex Scott dropped 25 points.
“We continue to seek that conference championship with a bye in the first round and home court advantage,” Dillon said. “Big win on the road tonight.”
The Franklin Broncos continue their conference schedule as they hosted Appomattox Regional Governor’s School on Thursday after deadline, and they face Sussex today.