Strong Fourth Quarter Lifts Franklin Regional Into Second Place
Heading into the Shaler at Franklin Regional boys basketball game on Tuesday night, both teams were tied for second place in the Section 3-5A standings.
The Titans and Panthers were tied 43-43 entering the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game.
Franklin Regional broke both ties by outscoring Shaler, 14-6, to come away with a 57-49 win. The Panthers have now swept the regular season series, also winning 62-57 on Jan. 11. They hold a one-game lead for second place with one game remaining in section play.
The Panthers were able to seal the victory from the line, converting on 8 of 13 free throws in the fourth quarter.
Senior Nick Leopold scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half for Franklin Regional.
Leading the way for Shaler was junior Mekhi Reynolds with 14 points. Seniors Matt Bendel and Colton Schott finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Franklin Regional improves to 15-6 overall and 10-3 in the section. The Panthers will travel to Kiski Area on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for the section and regular season finale.
Shaler drops to 14-6 overall and 9-4 in the section. The Titans will host Plum in the section finale on Friday at 7:30 p.m.