Panthers get redemption in title game
Before the final game, coach Tres Rogers emphasized two things.
The Franklin JV boys coach wanted his players to “finish the season” and to remember there is no practice tomorrow and make the last night special.
“They definitely took that to heart,” Rogers said. “These guys were not going to allow themselves to lose in the championship.”
The Panthers jumped out to a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter in the Mountain Six Conference tournament final. They led 33-18 at halftime against Smoky Mountain, when Rogers presented them a challenge.
“A big third would put them away and we could enjoy the rest of the game,” he said. “I challenged the whole group to not let Smoky get to 30 points. I never want them to lose focus with a big lead, and giving them a halftime challenge has been something we have done all season, so I wasn’t going to change that up.”
The Panthers led 51-26 going into the fourth quarter. While the game was essentially over at that point, Rogers reminded them of the challenge.
All 15 players saw action in the final period.
Rogers removed his starters with four minutes left, giving them handshakes and hugs as they came to the bench.
The players got worried in the final moments when a Mustangs player went to the free-throw line, but he missed the second shot.
Franklin won it 61-29.
It was a redemption game for many of the players, who lost last year’s MSC final to Pisgah.
Nine different players scored in the finale. Dawson Green scored 14 of his game-high 18 in the first half.
Keagan Pollock and Grant Adams also cracked double figures, scoring 13 and 12.
Others who scored were Kehler Lamb (five), Bradley Stiles (four), Parker Cabe (four), Trent Ledford (two), Chris McGuire (two) and Devyn Blackburn (one).
The dominating victory was another example of how willing the Panthers were to play with maximum effort on defense, while also being unselfish on offense and not caring who scores the most points.
“That’s what wins championships: guys that buy into winning above all else,” Rogers said. “This group is special because they are willing to play together at both ends of the floor with the understanding that they all get the glory of being a winner. All 16 guys have contributed to our success and they all won 23 games and both the regular season and tournament championships.”
Finish tremendous season at 23-1
Andy Scheidler
sports@thefranklinpress.com
Franklin sophomore Bradley Stiles reflected on a tremendous season for the junior varsity boys basketball team.
“It was unbelievable, just the work this team put in to get this far,” Stiles said. “Coming into the season nobody gave us a chance after losing so many up to varsity. It’s awesome that our hard work paid off.”
The Panthers went 23-1 this season. They went 10-0 in the Mountain Six Conference during the regular season, and they dominated two games in the tournament to claim that title as well.
It’s believed the 23 wins match a program record for most in a season, tying the 2010-11 team that went 23-0 under Michael Turner.
The only loss came at Tuscola, 45-35, after the Panthers had beaten the Mountaineers in the first encounter.
One of the most exciting games was a 57-51 home win over Cherokee.
“I will remember that game above any we played,” coach Tres Rogers said. “That game just demonstrated the determination and heart these guys have. Never giving up even when things seem out of reach. I can’t say enough about this group’s will to win, their heart and their unselfishness. They exemplified what it means to be a team on both ends of the floor.”
Most of the games were lopsided, which allowed Rogers to empty his large bench. Ty Handley was injured for most of the season, but the Panthers still dressed 15 other players.
Stiles was a starter along with sophomores Grant Adams, Dawson Green, Chris McGuire and Keagan Pollock. Although the lopsided games meant less playing time for them, Stiles was just glad to soak up the victories.
“It feels good to win against any team, especially against our big rivals in football,” said Stiles, referring to Smoky Mountain and Pisgah. “After only one win in football, it’s a good feeling to get 23 wins in basketball.”
Franklin averaged 57.6 points per game while allowing only 34.1.
“Defense was the name of the game for this group,” Rogers said.
Out of everything the Panthers achieved this year, Stiles was proud of their style of play.
“I’m most proud of how hard this team played, how unselfish everybody was,” he said. “It didn’t mater who scored. We always got the 50-50 balls, diving on floor. Rebounding was a big part, especially since we were undersized and most teams had us outsized. It was hard work this team put in to get that far.”
The sophomore class consisted of Adams, Deyvn Blackburn, Green, Seth Jacobs, Trent Ledford, McGuire, Caleb Pevia, Pollock and Stiles.
“The sophomores set the tone for the younger guys all season,” Rogers said. “They are great leaders and we will miss them when they take the step up to varsity next season. They are leaving big shoes to fill, but our younger guys are already setting their expectations high for next year and we will be going back to work to get better in the near future.”
The freshman class featured seven players: Parker Cabe, Cal Drake, Handley, Kehler Lamb, Luke Vanhook, Brayden Watts and Josh Zoellner.
Rogers said it was unbelievable season, and he and assistant coach Nick Allen are beyond proud of all 16 players.
“This is a special group that played amazing team basketball and made our jobs easy,” Rogers said. “We have told them all year that the accomplishments are theirs. They earned everything through hard work and determination. There are other teams that are taller, quicker and more athletic than our guys, but they have all been blessed by the good Lord with the hearts of champions and they proved that this year.”