Broncos reach final four for first time in 32 years
Published 7:00 am Friday, March 7, 2025
- The Franklin High School varsity boys basketball team huddles around Head Coach Robby Cutchins as he gives instructions prior to the start of the fourth quarter during the Broncos’ 60-54 VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinal win Tuesday, March 4, in Courtland. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
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(A gallery of photos follows the story below. Photos were submitted by Frank A. Davis.)
The Franklin High School varsity boys basketball team advanced Tuesday, March 4, through the VHSL Class 1 quarterfinals, earning a place among the final four teams in the state for the first time since 1993.
The 15-12 Broncos faced the 15-4 Northumberland High School Indians in the Virginia High School League Class 1 state quarterfinals on Tuesday at Southampton High School and came back from an early deficit to win a highly physical game, 60-54.
After being down 14-8 in the first quarter, the Broncos came back strong in the second quarter and held a 31-26 lead at the half. The Broncos held that lead and at one point were up by 12 points.
Leading Franklin on offense were senior forward Kamarre Hicks, with 21 points, and senior guard Christian Grant, with 15.
After the game, Franklin Head Coach Robby Cutchins reflected on what the 2024-25 Broncos have accomplished.
“I’m just so proud of my guys,” he said. “I just can’t say enough about how hard this group has worked. We started out the season with a tough schedule. We started out 2-8, and I knew it was going to be a dogfight, but these kids never wavered, they kept working all year. They bought into the culture. They understand what the culture is all about, and when you do that, you can come together as one, and that’s what these guys have done.
“I think we won like 14 out of our last 18 games, and to do what we did in the regional tournament to become region champions, it just speaks volumes to these kids,” he continued. “I’m just so proud of the coaching staff. They did a phenomenal job, and we just did it against one of the best players in the state from Northumberland.”
Cutchins was referring to Indians junior Tyreek Lundy, who averaged 23.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 5.3 steals per game this season.
The uneliminated teams remaining in the VHSL Class 1 State Tournament include Franklin (16-12), George Wythe High School (24-4), Lancaster High School (17-7) and Patrick Henry High School of Glade Spring (26-3).
“The boys are going to the final four, it’s unbelievable,” Cutchins said. “I am so proud of these guys. This is the Broncos’ first final four state appearance in 32 years.”
The Broncos will travel to Lancaster High School to face the Red Devils on Friday, March 7, in the state semifinals. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Franklin High School senior forward Kamarre Hicks goes up for two during the Broncos’ 60-54 state quarterfinal victory over Northumberland High School on Tuesday, March 4, in Courtland.
Franklin High School senior guard Christian Grant works around the Northumberland High School defense Tuesday, March 4, during the Broncos’ state quarterfinal victory in Courtland.
Franklin High School senior forward Daevion Person (3) vies for possession of the ball along with a Northumberland High School player Tuesday, March 4, in Courtland.
Senior guard Altavis Turner, of Franklin High School, elevates for a shot Tuesday, March 4, during the VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinals.
Trying to navigate heavy defensive pressure from Northumberland High School defenders is Franklin High School senior forward Kamarre Hicks.
The Franklin High School bench reacts to action taking place during the VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 4, at Southampton High School.
Franklin High School senior forward Kamarre Hicks puts up a shot during the second quarter Tuesday, March 4, in the VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinals.
Franklin Head Coach Robby Cutchins celebrates with a group hug after the Broncos defeated Northumberland 60-54 in the VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinals Tuesday, March 4, in Courtland.
Supporters of Franklin High School’s varsity boys basketball team give the Broncos a standing ovation as they defeated Northumberland High School 60-54 in the VHSL Class 1 state quarterfinal Tuesday, March 4, in Courtland.
