FRANKLIN
Rivals Franklin High School and Sussex took to the court again this past Tuesday in Franklin High School with the Broncos ultimately scoring a 60-55 victory.

The crowd wouldn’t be let down as once again the two rivals squared off for round two of this heavy weight bout. The first half would be back-and-forth with each team exchanging buckets and massive defensive block shots at both ends of the floor.

After trailing by six points in the second quarter, the Broncos climbed their way back to knot the game at 29 at the break. Defensive intensity and adjustments in the third quarter for the Broncos caused numerous turnovers from Sussex and the Broncos got their lead to 13 at one point in the third. However, the Tigers were not done, as a fourth quarter full court press caused some turnovers of their own which got the lead trimmed to 55-51 with a minute left to the go in the game.

Bronco senior captain and point guard Deuntae Jefferson would be forced to the line twice in the final 30 seconds and would capitalize on all four free throws. Drelyn Ford was a huge inside presence for the Broncos, as he compiled almost his second triple double of the season with 12 points, 12 rebounds and nine block shots.

Jefferson had a big night for the Broncos as well, not only sealing the deal from the free throw line down the stretch but finished the game with 10 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and seven steals.

“What a battle between two really good basketball teams,” said FHS Coach Robby Cutchins after the game. “Coach Parker from Sussex does a great job with his boys, and it is like I told him all the years I’ve been coaching, Sussex is one of the biggest and most athletic teams I’ve ever coached against.

“They make it very difficult to execute in the half court game just because of their length. However, our young men continued to battle for four quarters and made some adjustments at the half that was able to give us the cushion we needed in the second half. I was proud of all or guys tonight. This is a great win for us as we start a seven-game home stand.”

Malik Haley led all scores for the Broncos with 18 points and senior Dajon Frazier chipped in 13 points for the Broncos. The Broncos played another home game against Park View on Wednesday, and will face Surry on Jan. 26, Brunswick on Jan. 27, Northampton on Jan. 29, Greensville on Jan. 31 and Southampton on Feb. 3.