Wood comes in clutch, Buckley hits big as Knights slay Dragons

It might not have been the prettiest shot, but it did the trick. 

Franklin senior guard Jalen Wood knocked down a jump shot with 6 seconds left in play to break the tie and earn the Knights a hard-earned 56-54 win over visiting Warren.

Fellow senior guard Cole Buckley bucketed a game-high 26 points, including the Knight's first 10 points of the pivotal fourth quarter.

​It was the first night of Region 6 play for both teams and they met with intensity. 

A fast-paced contest from the moment Warren won the tip-off, the Dragons employed a full-court press most of the night, which at times seemed to frustrate the Knights, who were playing without Damon Curry. For the first six minutes of play, it appeared Warren might walk away with the game as they jumped to a 12-5 lead. 

But the Knights battled back. Dreyden Payne connected for two quick baskets followed by Buckley's first two foul shots, and suddenly it was a 12-11 game going into the second quarter. 

The second stanza was a back-and-forth sprint up and down the court with seven ties or lead changes. At the end of the half, Franklin held on to a one-point lead at 23-22. 

Halftime adjustments came out in favor of the Knights, as Buckley and Damarco Payne took control of the scoreboard for Franklin. Damaro had eight of his 16, Buckley added six of his own, and Franklin increased their lead to 37-34.

Buckley exploded in the fourth with 12 points. With less than 3:30 minutes left in play, Franklin had a commanding 10-point lead at 52-42. Then the Dragons came roaring back. Warren scored five unanswered baskets in two minutes. ​

With less than 50 seconds to go, Wood sunk two foul shots. Warren answered with a quick bucket to tie it up again with 30 seconds left in play. 

Franklin inbounded the ball and looked for their shot. Wood, who leads the team in scoring this season according to stats listed by the Erie Times-News, found his moment and launched one from the right side of the court. Pay dirt. ​

Wood finished the night with 10 points. Buckley had 26. Damarco Payne had 16 points, including four three-pointers. And Dreyden Payne at four points. 

Brady Berdine led Warren with 23 points. 

Franklin, who improved to 8-4 on the season, returns to action on Friday when they visit Titusville for another Region 6 game.