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(A gallery of photos from the game follows the story below. Photos by Frank A. Davis)

The nightcap of the Backyard Brawl saw the Southampton County Indians hang on to defeat the Franklin Broncos 55-52.

The Indians had five players in double figures, Tyrell Beverly led with 12 points, followed by Aidin Brown with 11, Miquel Bradshaw, Israel Key and Zayden Pope each dropped in 10 points.   For the Broncos, Christian Grant led with 16 points, followed by Altavis Turner with 11 points. 

After the game, Southampton High School Indians head coach Sharone Bailey said he knew the game was going to be tough, saying, “I knew it was going to be a tough game tonight or anytime we are playing Franklin… I knew tonight, Franklin was going to come out swinging, and our guys have been battle tested tonight. We didn’t have a great game, but we stuck together and we pulled out the win.  We are just moving on, trying to do bigger and better things every game.”

Franklin head coach Robby Cutchins said after the game the rivalry always provides great basketball and this one was no difference. Cutchins also said there wasn’t one shot or play that ultimately decided the game.

“You can’t put your finger on the shot that didn’t go down at the end of the game for us because if it goes, then we have 4 extra minutes to decide the outcome,” Cutchins said. “There are always things you look back at throughout the game that you know could have made the difference at the end with one little mistake of a turnover here or there, or a simple missed box out on our defensive end that allowed them another possession. That is what we do, we critique every aspect of the game to make sure we put ourselves in the best position possible night in and night out. But I can not say enough about my guys for so many reasons. These guys have put in so much work behind the scenes in preparing themselves for these big games, and this one was no different.”