FRANKLIN
The Colonial Heights Colonials seem to be incapable of losing a game as they continue to dominate play in the Peggy Wilkins Gym at Franklin High School. On Saturday, the Colonials claimed their third tournament championship after a very close victory over the Smithfield High School Packers. For the 2017 Christmas tournament, the Colonials won easily as they defeated the home team Broncos 83-55.

But this year during the championship game, the Colonials seemed headed to defeat as the Smithfield Packers took charge of the game opening with a 21-8 lead over the Colonials in the first quarter of play. The Packers continued to hold the lead at halftime with a score of 37-30. Entering the final quarter of play the Packers continued to hold the lead with a score of 49-44. But the Colonials, not throwing in the towel, came to life in the fourth quarter to outscore the Packers 16-9 to claim a narrow 60-58.

In scoring, the Colonials had three players in double figures. They were: Andrews Grayson with 16 points; McNeil Williams with 14 points and Crowder Hayden with 10 points.

For the Packers, Marcus Custis scored 30 points, followed by Tony Robertson with 13 points.

The consolation game pitted the Franklin Broncos against the Amelia County High School Raiders. The Broncos got off to a poor start and at half time were down, 25-22.

Coming back after half time the Broncos turned the tide and took charge to claim a 70-57 win over the Raiders.

In comments after the game, Coach Robby Cutchins said, “Tonight it was a total team effort. I think at the end of the day, we played a really good two quarters of basketball and both of them in the second half. We just didn’t come out with much life. You keep touching the intensity button and at halftime we pushed it pretty hard.

“Defensively, we were back to doing what we do best, trapping and half court game, and it played great dividends and created a lot of turnovers to get some buckets in transition. Drelyn has been phenomenal the last two nights in getting his first triple double. I am proud of the guys.

Our leaders were leaders in the second half and that is why we beat a good 2 A basketball team. ” The Broncos had three players in double figures. They were: Drelyn Ford with 29 points; Devontae Jefferson with 14 points; and Malik Haley with 12 points.

Jamal Grant led the scoring for the Raiders with 27 points.

During the awards ceremony held at the end of the championship game, Franklin High School Head Coach Robby Cutchins gave general comments to thank the teams, fans and the sponsors of the tournament, NAPA Auto Parts & Bluewater Rentals. Afterward, the players were announced for the All Tournament team and the trophies were awarded to the championship team and the runner-up team.