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The shorthanded Franklin High School varsity girls basketball team experienced an 0-3 stretch during the week of Jan. 21.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Lady Broncos hosted Nansemond River High School, a Virginia High School League Class 5 school, and the Lady Warriors prevailed 63-30. 

The day prior, Franklin fell 41-36 to host Windsor High School.

The Lady Broncos lost 72-31 to the Brunswick High School Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 24, in a game played at the Peggy H. Wilkins Gymnasium.

Plagued with missing and injured players, Franklin had only six players available to play the Lady Bulldogs. Lacking offensive power, the home team was down 18-3 after the first quarter and 41-12 at the half. 

Lady Broncos freshman Aaliyah Gatling led her team in scoring against Brunswick with nine points. 

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs had four scorers who reached double figures. They were senior Alexandria Harrison, with 20 points; senior Brianna Simmons, with 12 points; and senior Amber Hicks and junior LaKera Hill, who each scored 10 points. 

In remarks after the game, Lady Broncos Head Coach Dennis Sumblin commented, “We entered the game with just six players, but we competed a little bit, but they did not put all the pressure on us. Our girls played a little bit better with more confidence. But hopefully we can continue. We have about five or six more games in the regular season. If we can continue to push it and push it and get better and somehow wind up in the tournament, we might have a chance to do something. 

“We are still hoping that we can get our injured player back,” he added. “Hopefully we can, and she can be able to play a few games. Tonight, I am really very proud of the girls as they really put an effort in and competed well.”

Franklin (4-16) visits Surry County High School on Wednesday, Jan. 31, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.