Franklin overpowers Southampton
Published 2:38 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2014
FRANKLIN—The Franklin Broncos Boy’s Basketball team wins big in the rivalry game versus the Southampton Indians by a score of 90-60.
The Franklin boys had their highest output of the season, while holding all but two Indian players below double digits. The Broncos seemed to win in every facet of the game as they led in rebounds, assists and steals, said Coach Danny Dillon.
The Broncos came out in a trap defense to start the game, while the Indians did the same. Southampton’s Shane Agunzo and Franklin’s Fred Lassiter both had 8 points in the first quarter to lead their teams. Franklin found themselves with the edge up 24-16 at the end of one. The Indians kept in striking distance in the second quarter going to their big man Eaton for 7 points in the second quarter. Franklin’s Terry Warren did the same for Franklin as he banged in 10 points down low to give the Broncos a 40-33 lead into halftime.
The Franklin Broncos would never look back. Senior Marcus Stephens had a career third quarter with 16 points. Stephens outscored the entire Indians squad as they only produced 11 third quarter points. The Broncos cruised in the fourth quarter to the 30-point win.
“”We were hitting on all cylinders tonight and it felt good to play to our potential,” Dillons said. “Even though our best player is a freshman, when we play to this level, we can play with any Division 1 team in the state. Southampton is Division 3, so this win gives us even more confidence going forward.”
The Broncos’ star Freshman, Fred Lassiter, led all scores with 27 points, while Marcus Stephens was right behind him with 25. Terry Warren, who led the night in rebounds with 15, also put in 17 points. For the Indians, point guard LaSale Beale had team high with 14 points and Shane Agunzo had 13 points.
“We knew we had prepared well for this game,” Dillon said. “The boys practiced in the snow and on Saturday to prepare themselves for this game and the playoffs. We continue to play to glorify God in all that we do, on and off the floor. I love that the players learned what sacrifice and hard work will do for them, now and in the future.”
The Varsity game was preceded by a great Junior Varsity game. The Broncos found themselves tied 47 to 47 with the Indians after being down by as much as 8 points in the game. The Broncos had the ball with 9 tics on the clock. Broncos point guard Markeem Tyler passed to Denard Williams at half court. Denard Williams took it all the way to the rim to lay it up at the buzzer. Coach Robby Cutchins said of his team, “So proud of the fight and hunger of these young men to overcome a deficit to get the victory.”