Franklin Girls Varsity Basketball Moves On

Franklin Girls Varsity Basketball Moves On

A tough and emotional win for Franklin Girls Varsity Basketball. Thursday night, March 2, 2023 Franklin hosted Newton South at 5:30, and brought home a 62-50 win advancing them to the second round of playoffs. 

The Franklin girl’s basketball team has won five consecutive Hockomock championships and this season went 17-4, including a tournament game. The head coach, John Leighton has been a part of the FHS community since 1999, coaching the girls’ freshman basketball team. 

Heading into the first round of playoffs, the team was confident in their ability to win but knew Newton South would be a good competitor. The score was tied the majority of the game but Franklin dominated in the fourth quarter and ended with a successfully earned win. 

There are four seniors on the team; Katie Peterson, Lizzy Newman, Caelyn Leanord and Bridget Leo. This would be their last home game as a Franklin Panther and it was an emotional one. Coach Leighton believes their success has come from the tight bond and connection the team has on and off the court. This just proves how sad it will be when it is over.

According to Coach Leighton, another factor in consistently succeeding is the girls’ basketball youth program. He says a huge benefit for him is how talented the girls coming into the program are and that his starting point to build off their skills is much higher than other opponents. 

Franklin Girls Varsity is going to play Bishop Feehan, in the second round of playoffs, Monday at 6:30 on March 6, 2023 at Feehan. Good luck girls!