The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
By Shelby Copeland
Correspondent.
Photo: Shelby Copeland.
The Franklin High School girls’ varsity basketball team staged a second-half comeback Jan. 16 to beat the Bridgewater-Raritan High School squad 49-47 at home.
The win over the 2009-2010 Skyland Conference champions boosted the Warriors’ record to 9-1.
Bridgewater began the game with a strong first quarter, leading 21-8 at the buzzer. But the second quarter brought a distinct change, with the Warriors outscoring Bridgewater 14-6 and trailing by 5 at the half, 27-22.
Franklin took the lead in the third quarter, 38-36, outscoring Bridgewater 16-9. The girls’ confidence grew during the game, as shown by their more daring passes.
Both teams scored 11 points in the fourth quarter.
Warriors coach Audrey Taylor said defense was the key to the win.
“Defense was definitely it,” she said. “We’ve made an adjustment on defense … We’re a transition type team.”
Adreana Miller led all scorers with 16 points – including two 3-pointers – 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Her performance added to her total points estimated at 144, and average of 16 points per game.
Mary Trossi played a strong game with a total of 6 points and also contributed 4 assists and a block. In the fourth quarter, Trossi stole the ball – one of 4 during the game – then scored on an uncontested layup.
Amiya Rankins earned 10 points in Franklin’s victory, as well as 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
Also contributing were Alexandra Jackson with 8 points and 2 rebounds; Tahirah Scott with 5 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists; Jaeda Wildgoose with 4 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, and Sierra Gibson with 1 steal.
Going forward, the girls will have to “maintain their composure,” Taylor said.
“I’m always proud of the girls because they can turn around no matter what the situation is,” she said.
Next, the Franklin girls are scheduled for an away game against Immaculata at 7 p.m. January 21.
