Franklin Central returns with seniors Alan Cox, Eric Kolp, Andrew Wichlinski and Michael Santoro.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-18) – Four straight sectional championships (2013-16) … failed to reach title game for first time in six years… lost only three players to graduation … four wins, fewest under eighth-year coach John Rockey (81-86) … first season in Hoosier Crossroads Conference … reload with six returnees … backcourt intact with 5-8 senior Michael Santoro (4.9 points, 3.0 assists), 6-3 junior MVP Isiah Morgan (11.5 points, team-high 32 steals) and 6-0 soph Mason Gonzales (8.2 points, 4.5 assists) … length comes from returning seniors in 6-7 Alan Cox (7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds), 6-5 Eric Kolp (4.2 points, 3.4 rebounds) and 6-2 Andrew Wichlinski … young guards: soph Jovann Small, via Texas and South Bend Riley, and freshman Brian Marshall up from 18-1 junior varsity team … added depth with 5-11 junior Quinten Gilliland, 6-0 soph Benny Ogayonne and freshman forward Alex Ewing … rugged season opens Saturday with Center Grove Saturday, at Brownsburg Nov. 30 and Warren Central visits Dec. 1.
Coach’s comments: “We couldn’t fill the empty basket and we couldn’t attack (defense) last year. The biggest plus this year is that we have competition in our practices, and that’s going to make us better. I have 12-13 kids competing every day. We will have games when we can go with our bigs or go with four or five guards in the lineup. Our juniors can shoot the ball. We have some sophomores that we are happy with. Our younger players will see playing time as we go. We have had good practices, and we have a lot to build on. This has been so much fun to watch these kids compete against each other. I feel really good about our effort and enthusiasm that I’ve seen in the gym so far.”
Coach’s comments: “We couldn’t fill the empty basket and we couldn’t attack (defense) last year. The biggest plus this year is that we have competition in our practices, and that’s going to make us better. I have 12-13 kids competing every day. We will have games when we can go with our bigs or go with four or five guards in the lineup. Our juniors can shoot the ball. We have some sophomores that we are happy with. Our younger players will see playing time as we go. We have had good practices, and we have a lot to build on. This has been so much fun to watch these kids compete against each other. I feel really good about our effort and enthusiasm that I’ve seen in the gym so far.”
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