(Editor's note: The story was updated to include the District semi-final game information and the Erie First Christian scoring stats.)
Sometimes you feel sorry for a team.
The photo above is telling in that it features mostly Franklin's starters getting excited at the end of the game. These kids were on the bench, not because of foul trouble or disciplinary measures, but because they just put up so many points it didn't make any sense at all to let them risk getting injured or to keep putting up even more points against a small squad of kids from Erie First Christian who just are not really in the same league of ability. Why rub it in on a group of kids who are just out trying as hard as anyone else.
Franklin is just a very, very good basketball team.
Sometimes you feel sorry for a team.
The photo above is telling in that it features mostly Franklin's starters getting excited at the end of the game. These kids were on the bench, not because of foul trouble or disciplinary measures, but because they just put up so many points it didn't make any sense at all to let them risk getting injured or to keep putting up even more points against a small squad of kids from Erie First Christian who just are not really in the same league of ability. Why rub it in on a group of kids who are just out trying as hard as anyone else.
Franklin is just a very, very good basketball team.
Erie came out looking like they might compete, they scored a quick four points and it was 5-4. Then Franklin turned it on. Full court pressure put up point after point. Erie scored two more in the first and two in the second quarter. They added only four more in the third. Against Franklin's bench, they only scored six in the fourth.
At the end of the game, excitement filled the gymnasium as the Knights seemed destined to reach the century mark. The game ended 94-18, but it wasn't an exciting game because it was such a lopsided affair.
At the end of the game, excitement filled the gymnasium as the Knights seemed destined to reach the century mark. The game ended 94-18, but it wasn't an exciting game because it was such a lopsided affair.
The Knights have what it takes to go all the way, but they need to be focused when challenged and rise to the occasion when things aren't going as smoothly as they are accustomed to. The great test for the Knights, as they start plating tougher and tougher teams, will be just how well they hold their composure and overcome having to play better and better teams.
Their next test will be against the 10-13 Mercyhurst Prep Lakers at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Slippery Rock University. In that game, Easton Fulmer will become Franklin's all-time leading scorer when he hits his first bucket.
 |  |
Down the stretch, the Knights will need to avoid falling into the Buster Douglass syndrome where the underdog dominates the superior. If they stay focused they should be able to hoist the district trophy. Coach Jason Fulmer is likely coaching lessons like Douglass' upset over Mike Tyson or the New England Patriots' undefeated season ending in a Super Bowl loss against the New York Giants.
Lessons to keep the high scoring Franklin squad in check.
After districts, they will then be tested by other teams with well-coached, deep bench potential teams who want that state title every bit as much as they do.
 |  |
There is still some exciting basketball in the future for this squad.
 |  |
And though the reserves got some good playing time Friday in their blowout victory, they will likely be riding the pine more and more as they attempt to make it to Hershey. But they are good reserves who help prepare this team each week in practice and when called upon to perform, they have seemingly been up for the task.
 |  |
Please see more photos at https://sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p901500705
RSS Feed