High-scoring Panthers win again

sports@thefranklinpress.com

Coach Doug Plemmons admits it's been a long time since he's had a team score in the 70s for three straight games.

Franklin poured in 78 at Swain County Saturday, marking the third straight time FHS has cracked at least 75. And more importantly, all three occasions have led to victories.

The 78-50 win against the Maroon Devils was the third straight win, coming on the heels of three straight losses. It also improved the Panthers' record to 6-6.

"It was a good solid win for us," Plemmons said. "We haven't had a whole lot of wins on the road this year."

FHS entered the game 1-4 in road games, winning at Highlands. Road losses have come at Pisgah, Smoky Mountain, Rabun County (Ga.) and T.C. Roberson.

Balanced scoring helped fuel the victory, as all nine players made at least one field goal.

Tanner Plemmons finished one assist shy of a triple-double. He led the Panthers with 18 points and nine assists, and finished with 10 rebounds.

Dee Washington filled out the stat sheet in every category. The freshman had 16 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.

Senior Clint McManus also added a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 boards.

In some of the losses this year, Plemmons has been upset with a lack of production from certain players. He's been looking for all the players to perform their roles on a consistent basis, and that may be starting to happen.

Press photo/Andy Scheidler Tanner Plemmons shoots a 3-pointer against Habersham Central in the Christmas Tournament last week. Plemmons made four 3s Saturday in Franklin's 28-point victory over Swain County. A freshman, Plemmons leads FHS in scoring average (18.2).

"I think our team is maturing a little bit," Plemmons said. "Players are turning in consistent performances night in and night out. You can kind of build on that. Everybody is doing what they can do. We've been harping on that all year; everybody accepting their role. And everybody's role is different...They're really starting to accept those roles and take pride in doing what they can to help the team win."

The Panthers matched their point total from the previous meeting with Swain. However, the Maroon Devils scored 13 more points than they did in Franklin in the season opener.

FHS scored 75 points in its two wins during the Christmas Tournament. The Panthers have now scored at least 75 in four games this year.

Outside shooting from Tanner Plemmons and McManus, along with transition points have played a big role in the higher point totals.

Turnovers haven't been a problem in the past three games, but free throws continue to be an Achilles Heel. FHS was 10-for-19 against Swain, and is shooting 54 percent as a team this year.

"We're still not as good at the line as we should be," Plemmons said. "We're missing out on some easy points."

Starting forward Kyle Peck twisted his ankle just before halftime at Swain, and sat out the rest of the game.

Assistant coach Zach Deazarn works at Health Works, and he gave Peck some tips to care for the ankle until his visit.

"We're hoping it's just a sprain," Plemmons said. "We'll find out more (Monday). He seemed to think he would be OK. That was right after the game. Sometimes after you wake up the next morning it's worse."

After Tuesday's road game against Tuscola the Panthers return home Friday to host Nantahala, with varsity action only. FHS then travels to Robbinsville Saturday for the final non-conference game of the season.