Franklin Regional Mike Rettger Memorial Tournament Title

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They are only four games into the season, but the Franklin Regional boys basketball team have already won two early season tournaments.

After going 2-0 in the Hempfield Tip-Off Tournament, the Panthers were able to defend their title in the Mike Rettger Memorial Tournament that they host on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Facing their toughest opponent yet, the Panthers hung on to a 44-39 win against Norwin (3-1) in the Championship Game last night.

The main cog in the victory was the play of senior guard Nick Leopold. Leopold, a first-team Class 5A BIg East Conference defensive back during the football season, didn’t take long to get acquainted on the hardwood.

Leopold finished with a game-high 19 points. He was a perfect 12 of 12 from the free-throw line, including a perfect 10 of 10 in the fourth quarter. For his efforts, he was named tournament MVP.

Also making the all-tournament team for the Panthers was senior Adam Rudzinski. Rudzinski, a first-team Class 5A Big East Conference outside linebacker, finished the Championship Game with 10 points.

The difference in the game came in the third quarter, where Norwin only scored one point in the frame. For the Knights, sophomore Jayden Walker finished with 12 points and was named to the all-tournament team.

Franklin Regional (4-0) will dive into section play on Friday when they host Hampton (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. Norwin will travel to Kiski Area for a non-section game on Saturday at 1:45 p.m.