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The Franklin High School varsity boys basketball team had a successful winning season that earned it a trip to the Region 1B Tournament. 

The region took only six out of 13 teams this season for the tourney. 

The Broncos traveled approximately three-and-a-half hours to the west to Altavista High School for their tourney opener, which was a rematch of last year’s Region 1B semifinal. Last year the Altavista Colonels ultimately won the region, which sent them on to the state tournament where they fell just short of winning another state championship. 

This year’s matchup between Franklin and Altavista definitely lived up to the hype, with both teams basically trading buckets throughout the contest. 

The Broncos trailed entering the final frame of play by just two points with a score of 38-36. With just over a minute left in the game, Altavista hit a big 3-pointer that put it up 52-46. The Broncos fouled to try and regain possession in order to cut the lead, but the Colonels sealed their win by hitting three out of four free throws down the stretch for a final score of 55-46.  

After the game, Franklin Head Coach Robby Cutchins said he was proud of his team.

“These young men have grown tremendously both on and off the floor this season,” he said. “All of the squads that made it to regional play just like us are worthy. It’s down to 16 in the state now, and unfortunately, only one team’s season is going to end in perfection. 

“It’ll take some time, but we will get over it and get back to work for those who are coming back and coming up,” he added.

Cutchins then took a moment to highlight his players who are graduating this year. 

“Huge shoutout to my seniors for putting in the work through their high school careers and becoming better young men,” he said. “They represented the program, the school and the community in outstanding fashion. These five young men will move on to do great things.”

The Tri-Rivers District awards meeting was held Feb. 10 at Brunswick High School, and three Broncos earned all-district honors. Sophomore Kaden Bailey and junior Derrick Perry were both named to the first team, while senior Kenaz Jones was named to the second team.