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Franklin High School’s varsity boys basketball team dropped its season and home opener Tuesday, Dec. 3, to a bigger opponent in the form of the Cavaliers of Lakeland High School. 

In front of a packed gymnasium, the spectators got all they wanted in a great, hard-fought game between the Broncos and Cavaliers in what ultimately turned out to be a one-possession game, with Lakeland coming out on top 65-63. 

The Broncos came out of the gate strong, building an eight-point first-half lead until their captain and starting senior guard Christian Grant went down with a hamstring injury. 

This injury midway through the second quarter didn’t sideline him just for the remainder of the first half but unfortunately for the rest of the game. 

However, the Broncos didn’t lay down, as they altered their game plan and put up an ultimate fight the rest of the way. 

Franklin senior Kamarre Hicks played a huge role in the second half, ultimately recording some career-high statistics on the night. 

The Broncos had a few chances down the stretch but came away with empty offensive possessions both at the free throw line and in the half-court set. 

Lakeland hit one of two free throws in the final seconds, and the Broncos’ final effort came up just short. 

Franklin Head Coach Robby Cutchins commented after the game, “Heck of an effort from both teams tonight. You hate to come out on this side of it, for sure. But the way our boys fought throughout the whole game — but especially after losing one of our best players — just shows what kind of heart these boys have. 

“I thought Kamarre Hicks really grew up tonight and showed what he was capable of doing, and that was ultimately why we still had a shot down the stretch,” the coach added.

Hicks finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks, representing career highs in both points and blocks. 

Senior Altavis Turner had a double-double for the Broncos, with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Franklin Sophomore L.J. Majette chipped in 10 points.