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(A gallery of photos follows the story below. Photos by Frank A. Davis)

By Titus Mohler and Frank A. Davis

The 2024-25 Franklin High School varsity boys basketball team was not able to bring home the program’s inaugural state championship on Friday, March 14. But it will be remembered as the resilient squad that overcame a difficult start this season to win a regional title and give the program only its second appearance ever in the state final and first in 32 years.

The Broncos took on the George Wythe High School Maroons in the Virginia High School League Class 1 state title game on Friday at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond. 

The Maroons were able to get off to a fast start thanks to strong three-point shooting, and they did not let up for the majority of the game. They led 29-10 after the first quarter, 52-20 at halftime and 70-24 after three quarters. The final score was 77-38.

Despite the loss, statistical standouts for Franklin were senior forward Kamarre Hicks, with eight points, 16 rebounds, including eight offensive boards and four blocks; senior guard Christian Grant, with 12 points, three rebounds and two steals; and sophomore forward Lavarius Majette, with 11 points and four rebounds.

Leading George Wythe was senior guard Reed Kirtner, with 30 points, seven boards and three assists; junior guard David Goode, with 16 points, four steals and three assists; and senior guard Shane Huff, with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

For the game, the Maroons shot 41.4% from beyond the arc, going 12-for-29.

The win capped a trio of years in which the Maroons reached the state tourney. They finished as state runner-up in 2023 and fell in the quarterfinals in 2024. They finished this season with an overall record of 26-4.

“We simply ran into a buzz saw here in the state championship game against George Wythe,” Franklin Head Coach Robby Cutchins said. “There’s no other way to state it. 

“However, nothing will put into words what this run and this journey has meant to these young men in the (FHS) program, the coaching staff and myself,” he continued. “The turnaround this group had late in the season to win 11 out of our last 12 games before the state championship game, (a run) which included winning the region championship for the first time in 18 years, to making it to the state championship game for only the second time in school history (first in 32 years), was an amazing stamp on history.”

The Broncos started the season 2-8, but they concluded it by winning 11 of their last 13 games, including the postseason run, to finish 17-13 overall.

Franklin won the Region 1B championship with a 67-56 victory over Altavista High School.

The Broncos then defeated Northumberland High School 60-54 in the state quarterfinals to reach the final four for the first time since 1994. 

In the state semifinals, Franklin upset two-time defending state champion and host Lancaster High School 41-34 to reach the state final for the first time since 1993.

“This group showed what hard work and dedication can do if you just stay the course,” Cutchins said. “Sometimes you get rewarded immediately, and they did just that. We earned everything we got this season, being the underdog on pretty much every night throughout the region and definitely into the state tournament.”

On March 14, the entire FHS student body was outside the school in the main parking lot, cheering as the basketball team boarded the Franklin Stampede Bus for its trip to Richmond. The Broncos enjoyed fan support throughout the 2024-25 season.

“Bronco Nation, you showed out each step of the way, and it warmed my heart tremendously!” Cutchins said. “The support from the community, both city and county, was above and beyond. These young men got the support and love they deserved, and I will smile thinking about it for years to come.”

Local law enforcement added to the memory of Franklin’s postseason run, clearing roads to make way for the team as it traveled to its state tournament games.

“I’d also like to give a special thank you to my good friend (Southampton County/Franklin) Sheriff Josh Wyche, who really stepped up, making all of our transportation special to each of the three state tournament games,” Cutchins said. “Also, I’d like to thank the City of Franklin Police Department, Sheriff (James R.) Clarke (Jr.) and his staff with Isle of Wight County, and also Sheriff (Ernest L.) Giles (Sr.) and his staff with Sussex County. All of these assisted in making this a memorable run for us.”

Led by Cutchins, the 2024-25 Broncos included senior guard Christian Grant, senior forward Kamarre Hicks, senior guard Travis Mabry, senior guard Ahmad McNeil, senior forward Daevion Person, senior guard Altavis Turner, junior guard Parrish Chappell, junior guard Khamarj Fleetwood, junior forward Jaden Reid, junior forward DeMoreon Smith, sophomore forward Lavarius “LJ” Majette and freshman guard Noah Perry.

“Bronco Nation cherishes the memories and the fun we had along the way with the accomplishments these young men achieved this season,” Cutchins said. “Continue to love on them and support their growth. Until our next journey and memories that we will add to this, keep repping the blue and gold! Much love, Bronco Nation!”