FRANKLIN, Mass – The Franklin Panthers used a dominant third quarter to turn a close game into a blowout 60-35 win over visiting Notre Dame (Hingham) on Friday night in the first game of the Franklin Holiday Classic.
The Panthers (3-1) won the third quarter 19-4. Franklin’s aggressive and physical defending forced 8 turnovers and limited Notre Dame to only one made field goal. The defense led to easy fast break baskets. Franklin also found its shooting touch and knocked down 3 three-pointers in the quarter.
Franklin head coach John Leighton was impressed by his team’s defensive effort, but credited his team’s ability to make shots in the second half for turning the game into a blowout.
“First half we left a lot of points out there,” he explained. “There were a lot of layups not taken, whatever it may be. We thought that if we could clean it up and not turn it over that we could go on a run.”
Sophomore Lexi Martin continued her strong first season of varsity play with a game-high 13 points (8 in the second quarter) off the bench. Junior forward Lauren Irvine also came off the bench to provide a spark with 10 points.
“They are two underclassmen that have helped a lot and they both love the role of being a spark off the bench,” said Leighton. “Our bench contributes every night and it’s nice having that depth.”
The game also marked the return of point guard Kristi Kirshe, who had missed the opening three games of the season with a back injury. Kirshe looked a little rusty in her first action but added much needed composure at the point, something that was noted by her fellow captain Alicia Kutil.
“All of the girls that have played point guard for her have been awesome but to have her back…it’s a flow. She definitely controls the tempo.” said Kutil, who had 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Leighton agreed that Kirshe’s return will help the offense. He said, “She’s a great basketball player, but she’s also a great leader. The team plays a little calmer. It helps everybody a little bit.”
Franklin will play on back-to-back nights as they host Westborough on Saturday before returning to Hockomock League play against Stoughton.