BY ANDREW FAISON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

andrew.faison@tidewaternews.com

 

FRANKLIN—The Franklin High School junior varsity boys’ basketball team clinched the Tri-Rivers title, finishing the season at 11-2.

“We are excited about the future,” said Franklin Varsity Coach Danny Dillon. “The guys did so well this season.”

“We have a young varsity team with five sophomores and five juniors,” Dillon added. “And three of those sophomores have started during the season.”

Franklin Junior Varsity Coach Robby Cutchins said the team’s goal from the beginning of the season was to win the district championship.

“Even after our first loss ended our undefeated streak, the boys continued to work,” Cutchins said. “Because of that we accomplished our goal.”

The squad went 8-0 until losing to 56-23 host Surry on Jan. 28.

“It was a great run with great kids,” said Cutchins. “There were a lot of close basketball games.

During their 8-game winning streak, Cutchins said his squad on six occasions trailed at the half.

“We dealt with adversity in those games this season, but we were able to come out on top,” he said.

Dillion commended Cutchins for a job well done.

“We both teach these boys to love, love each other, love their families and love God,” Dillon said. “In return, they love the game and play with all their heart.”

“We have the makings to be super special in the next few years,” he added.

Six-foot-5 eighth-grader Fred Lassiter and freshman point guard Darrian Duck led the squad. Lassiter averaged 18 points a game during the season, while Duck averaged 12 and had at least five assists per game.

“We’ve knocked on states door several times, I believe this group of guys will be no different,” said Dillon. “Our future is bright with the likes of Fred Lassiter and Darrian Duck along with our young varsity team.”