FHS baseball, softball, girls tennis, and girls & boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Baseball = Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 11 - Final (5 ins)

– Franklin erupted for eight runs in the fourth innings, turning a one-run game at the time into a convincing win in five innings. The Panthers grabbed the lead in the opening inning on a two-run single from freshman Patrick Luizzi while the Hawks grabbed one back in the top of the fourth to cut the deficit in half. Holding a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth, Franklin put the game out of reach by plating eight runs. DJ Silverstein had an RBI single, Cole Sidwell plated a run, Matt Luccini drew a bases-loaded walk, Sean Kryzak cleared the bases with a three-run double, and Luizzi added an RBI groundout. Sidwell drove in another run in the bottom of the fifth to win the game. Silverstein gave up just one unearned run on five hits and one walk on five strikeouts, getting the win with five innings of work. Ian Carter had a single and scored a run and Nick Koch had a double for the Scarlet Hawks.

Softball = Franklin, 7 @ Milford, 1 – Final

– Early offense, a strong pitching performance, and a big night at the plate from Ciara O’Brien propelled the Panthers to a key win on the road against Milford. Franklin enjoyed a four-run first inning and then tacked on two more in the second and one more in the third to stake a 7-0 lead. All four of Franklin’s runs in the first came with two outs, including an RBI single from Ella Weston and a three-run home run from O’Brien (3-for-4, four RBI, two runs). Sarah Boozang, who collected her 100th career hit on the night, delivered an RBI double in the second and Marley Allen had an RBI groundout as the lead grew to 6-0. O’Brien capped the scoring for the visitors with a solo home run to lead off the third inning. Sophia Sacramone earned the win, giving up just one unearned run in the seventh inning, scattering four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in a complete game effort. Sacramone, Boozang, and Josie Drucker (run) also had three hits for the Panthers. Freshman Brooke Stokes tossed five scoreless innings in relief for the Hawks with five strikeouts.

Boys Lacrosse = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 19 – Final

– A dozen different Panthers scored in a big win over the visiting Black Knights. Joey Tarentino, Seamus Conlan, and Jamison Risgin each scored twice and Jordan Gaspar dished out three assists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txx4GhHd3hw

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 21 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final

– Sophomore Olivia Wrobleski scored a pair of goals to help Franklin roll to a big win on the road. Senior Hannah Blongastainer and junior Morgan Lovell each scored their first goal of the season for the Panthers.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Milford, 3 – Final

– In the closest match of the day, Milford took a hard-fought 3-2 verdict over visiting Franklin. The Hawks won a pair of matches in singles action and added a three-set win at first doubles to clinch the win. The team of senior Todd Ostertog and junior Drew Cahill prevailed with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win at first doubles to secure the win for Milford. Senior Corey Rattray took a tight 7-6 (1), 6-4 win at first singles and senior Connor Wong added a hard-fought 7-5, 6-3 win at second singles. Franklin senior Gabe Terry battled to a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 win at third singles while the Panthers’ second doubles team of seniors Jack Sebell and Charlie Souza secured a 6-2, 6-4 win.

Girls Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Franklin defended home court, taking all five matches in straight sets against visiting Milford. Senior Izzy Trull (first singles, 6-2, 6-1), junior Isabelle Simino (second singles, 6-0, 6-4), and freshman Anna Powers (6-1, 6-0) completed the singles sweep for the Panthers. Seniors Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen dropped just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 first doubles win, and seniors Ashmita Boopathy and Katie Yelle secured a win at second doubles by the same score.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-30-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin High School to Host Spring Pops Concert on May 13

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Visual & Performing Arts Diane Plouffe are pleased to announce that Franklin Public Schools will host its annual Spring Pops Concert next month, showcasing the talents of student musicians across multiple ensembles.

FHS to Host Spring Pops Concert on May 13

The concert will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High School auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

This year's Spring Pops Concert will feature a side-by-side performance with Franklin's 8th-grade musicians, offering a unique opportunity for middle school students to perform alongside the high school ensembles.

The evening will include performances by the Franklin High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, String Orchestra and Chorus, delivering a wide range of musical selections sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Admission is free, and the concert is open to the public. However, the Franklin Music Boosters graciously accept donations at the door. Donations from the Pops Concert help students who need financial assistance to travel with the music department.

"We're excited to continue the tradition of our Spring Pops Concert, especially the opportunity it provides for our incoming freshmen to collaborate with our high school musicians," said Director Plouffe. "It's a special night that celebrates the musical growth of our students and builds a strong sense of community within our performing arts programs."

Community members, families and friends are encouraged to attend and support Franklin's young musicians in this culminating celebration of the school year.

"This concert highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our students and music educators," said Superintendent Giguere. "It's an event we look forward to each year, and we're proud to share it with our families and community."

FHS Girls Tennis Boosters fundraiser Apr 30 at Sante Fe Burrito Grill

FHS Girls Tennis Boosters fundraiser
Apr 30 at Sante Fe Burrito Grill

FHS Girls Tennis Boosters (@boosterstennis) posted Monday, April 28, 2025:

"Who doesn't love burritos???  

Come out on Wednesday to support your FHS Girls Varsity Tennis Team!  

Thanks for your support 🎾🎾🎾"   https://t.co/u4ajO98YzM

FHS Sports TV streaming schedule for week of April 28 - May 2

FHS Sports TV streaming schedule

Checkout Franklin Pride TV on YouTube for Live streams!

https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

or easy to remember ->  https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DI9qpUcMCfh/

FHS boys lacrosse team falls to Bishop Feehan on Saturday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, April 26, 2025

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 6 @ Bishop Feehan, 14
– Final – Franklin trailed by just three at halftime but couldn’t keep up with Bishop Feehan in the second half. Junior Thomas Quinn scored a hat trick to pace the Panthers’ offense while Jack O’Connor, Nate Walsh, and Drew McCarthy each scored once. Sam Freedman made 12 saves in the cage.


Girls Lacrosse = Franklin vs. Bishop Feehan – Postponed to Thursday, 5/1 at 5:30.

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/category/schedule-scoreboard/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS baseball falls to North Quincy in 8 innings

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, April 25, 2025

Franklin, 2 @ North Quincy, 3 – Final (8 inn.) 

– Franklin twice erased a one-run deficit to tie the game but North Quincy pulled out a walk-off win in extra innings. The host Raiders took the lead with the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth but the Panthers roared right back as senior Cole Sidwell dropped an RBI single into left field to plate pinch runner Jack McCahill, who was running for Drake McAlpine (leadoff single). North Quincy regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth on a sac fly but the Panthers drew four straight walks to open the sixth, McAlpine’s bases loaded walk scoring Zach Winer, but the Panthers were unable to produce any more runs. DJ Silverstein tossed seven innings for Franklin, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-04-25-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

2025 Hockomock League Girls Hockey All Stars: FHS' Flynn, Wernig, Auerr, O'Brien, Brown

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Girls Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league

Hockomock League MVP

• Julia Flynn, Franklin

Hockomock League All Stars

• Julia Flynn, Franklin
• Haley Wernig, Franklin
• Hannah Auerr, Franklin
• Maddie O’Brien, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Izzy Brown, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-girls-hockey-all-stars/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

2025 Hockomock League Boys Hockey All Stars: FHS' Balducci, O'Connor, Wernig, Arienti

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Boys Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

• Carter Balducci, Franklin

Hockomock League All Stars

• Carter Balducci, Franklin
• Jack O’Connor, Franklin
• Jack Wernig, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Owen Arienti, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-boys-hockey-all-stars/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

2025 Hockomock League Boys Swimming All Stars: FHS' Chandaria, Collins, McCarthy, Pecora

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Boys Swimming All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

• Owen Chandaria, Franklin

Hockomock League All Stars

• Owen Chandaria, Franklin
• Brendan Collins, Franklin
• Ollie McCarthy, Franklin
• Zack Pecora, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-boys-swimming-all-stars/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

2025 Hockomock League Girls Swimming All Stars: FHS' Pecora, K Baghdasaryan, McKinnon, O’Neil, S Baghdasaryan, Birali, Ferreira, Travers

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Girls Swimming All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Zuri Ferguson, Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars

• Ava Pecora, Franklin
• Kseniya Baghdasaryan, Franklin
• Molly McKinnon, Franklin
• Taylor O’Neil, Franklin
• Sasha Baghdasaryan, Franklin
• Harikalal Birali, Franklin
• Elise Ferreira, Franklin
• Bridget Travers, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-girls-swimming-all-stars/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS baseball tops Catholic Memorial 5-1 on Tuesday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 5 @ Catholic Memorial, 1 – Final 

– Franklin claimed the lead right off the bat and senior Zach Winer and junior DJ Silverstein combined to deliver a great pitching performance as the Panthers snapped Catholic Memorial’s three-game win streak with a 5-1 win on the road. Winer set the tone early, giving himself some help with a one-out home run in the top of the first, and senior Ryan Connelly came through with a two-out RBI single as the Panthers built an early 2-0 lead. CM cut the deficit in half with a run in the fourth inning, 2-1, where the game stayed until Franklin tacked on three insurance runs in the top of the final inning. Winer (3-for-3, two RBI, two runs, three stolen bases) came through with a one-out RBI single to make it 3-1, and both Winer and junior Sean Kryzak (walk) came home to score on an error. On the mound, Winer surrendered just one unearned run on one hit and five walks, striking out four in five innings. Silverstein came on in relief and tossed two scoreless innings, giving up just one hit — a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh, but induced a ground ball for a double play four pitches later.


Softball = Franklin, 0 vs. Walpole, 4 – Final 

– Junior Sophia Sacramone had a strong pitching performance and accounted for the Panthers’ lone hit offensively but Franklin suffered a 4-0 setback to star pitcher Sharlotte Stazinski and reigning Division 2 state champions Walpole. The Timberwolves scored once in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings to build their lead. Sacramone had a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth to break up Stazinski’s no-hitter. In the circle, Sacramone allowed just two hits on five hits and one walk, striking out seven in five innings.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0n6oaW6ffE&t=435

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-22-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

2025 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars: FHS' Woodall, Carlucci, Sauer & Rosenberg

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Michael Boulanger, Milford

Hockomock League All Stars

• John Woodall, Franklin
• Riley Carlucci, Franklin
• Jack Sauer, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Jack Rosenberg, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

 

2025 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars: FHS' Woodall, Carlucci, Sauer & Rosenberg

2025 Hockomock League Girls & Boys Indoor Track All Stars: FHS Athletes Recognized

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Sharon

Hockomock League All Stars

• Ella Chandaria, Franklin
• Maddie Bruno, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Meghan Griffith, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/

 

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Josy Brown-Wright, Sharon

Hockomock League All Stars

• Andrew Scotland, Franklin
• Tucker Morin, Franklin
• Jonathan Pink, Franklin
• Kyle Twomey, Franklin
• Pete Gubka, Franklin
• Jack Halter, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Aidan Thorne, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

 

2025 Hockomock League Girls & Boys Indoor Track All Stars

 

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (audio)

FM #1433  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1433 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, April 16, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.   

 

Approx. 10-15 minutes of the recess for photos is excluded from the audio and replaced by a few seconds of music to mark the spot.

Quick recap:

School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"

per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter

Proclamations and recognition for

•   the FHS Cheerleaders

•   the FHS boys basketball team

•   members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote

Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)

Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager

Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees

Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar

A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral

Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unanimous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 53 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1433-town-council-mtg-04-16-25/

--------------

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94 

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Rep Roy brought in 2 ancient lanterns for "2 Lights for Tomorrow"

FHS sports live streaming schedule for week of 4/22 - 4/26/25

week of 4/22 - 4/26/25

 

 

Schedule for sports this week!

 

Checkout Franklin Pride TV on YouTube for Live streams!

 

** Franklin Pride TV ** on YouTube -> https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools 

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15uLT8KsPL/

FHS boys lacrosse tops Shrewsbury on Saturday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, April 19, 2025

Softball = Franklin, 2 vs. St. Paul Diocesan, 4 – Final (12 inn.)

 

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 7 vs. Shrewsbury, 5 – Final 

– Holding a one-goal lead at halftime, Franklin equaled its first half offensive output in the third quarter alone and the Panthers’ defense pitched a shutout in the frame as the hosts were able to create enough separation to land a 7-5 win over Shrewsbury. Franklin led 3-2 at halftime in a big time defensive battle with the Colonials but senior Jack O’Connor scored twice and junior Thomas Quinn added a goal and an assist as the Panthers staked a 6-2 edge going into the fourth. Quinn finished with two goals while Charlie Ballarino, Quinn Kielty, and Nate Walsh each had one goal. Senior captains Drew McCarthy and Flynn Baker anchored Franklin’s defense, which totaled seven takeaways and nine ground balls, in front of Sam Freedman, who had a strong game with nine saves. 

 

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP5wr7Rfnxc 

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-19-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

 

2025 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards: FHS' Sullivan, Olmstead, Samuels, & Coach CJ Neely recognized

HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Franklin senior Caden Sullivan has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. Sullivan had a tremendous final season, leading the Panthers to 27 wins and their first-ever state championship. He was also named the Kelley-Rex division MVP.

“Caden was terrific from the tip in the season opener against OA all the way to his incredible performance in the Division 1 state championship game,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “He was the focus of opposing defenses and teams game planned for him every time but he was still able to dominate the competition. Caden had one of the best individual seasons I’ve covered across any sport.”

HockomockSports First Team

• Caden Sullivan – Franklin

Franklin senior Caden Sullivan put an exclamation point on a strong career with one of the best seasons in recent memory, capped with the Panthers’ first Division 1 state championship. Sullivan poured in 640 points over 28 games (22.9 points per game) and scored his 1,000th career point in the process. He also added 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.2 assists per game. When Franklin needed him most, he took his game to another level and averaged 27.1 points per game in the state tournament. In the state championship, he scored 11 of Franklin’s last 13 points to help close out the win and finished with 31 points in the win. He was selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (above) and the Kelley-Rex division MVP. “Caden Sullivan played the game as fearless as anyone I have ever seen,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “His unmatched toughness, confidence, and a relentless drive powered the best offensive season in school history and made him in my opinion the most valuable player in the MIAA this season.”

HockomockSports Third Team

• Jake Olmstead – Franklin – Guard

Franklin senior Jake Olmstead left a lasting mark on the program in his first year starting, helping the Panthers secure their first-ever state championship. Olmstead was one of many new faces in the lineup for Franklin and really delivered on both ends of the court, emerging as the team’s second-leading scorer (10.3 points per game) and was named the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year (below). He handled point guard duties and did a nice job running the offense but was also a major source of scoring for Franklin with seven games of 15 or more points, including a career-high 31 points twice this season. He also added 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for the state champs. “Jake Olmstead was the heart of our defense and one of the toughest, most confident competitors I’ve ever coached,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He embraced every challenge, shut down the best scorers in the state, and made winning plays night after night. His leadership, grit, and unselfishness were a driving force behind our championship run.”

Defensive Player of the Year

Franklin senior Jake Olmstead has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024-2025 season, the 13th year the award has been given out. Olmstead is the seventh Panther to win the award and the second consecutive following Andrew O’Neill last year.

The Panthers were by far the best defensive team in the Hockomock League this year and then proved to be the best defensive team in the state after claiming the program’s first-ever Division 1 state championship. During its playoff run, Franklin held all five opponents to 54 points or fewer: Shrewsbury (49), North Andover (54), Bridgewater-Raynham (50), Central Catholic (44), and Newton North (52). Olmstead played a crucial role in that as his size and athleticism allowed head coach CJ Neely to match up with a variety of players.

HockomockSports All-Defensive Team

• Jake Olmstead, Franklin

Franklin senior Jake Olmstead got it done on both ends of the court for the Panthers, who won their first-ever state championship this winter. Olmstead stepped right into the starting point guard role and came through with some clutch performances, both offensively where he averaged 10.3 points per game, and defensively, where he was more often than not tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. He was selected as the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year (above). The combination of size and quickness allowed him to match up against a variety of players. In the state championship, Olmstead had a huge game on the defensive end against Newton North star Teagan Swint. “Jake Olmstead was the heart of our defense and one of the toughest, most confident competitors I’ve ever coached,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He embraced every challenge, shut down the best scorers in the state, and made winning plays night after night. His leadership, grit, and unselfishness were a driving force behind our championship run.”

• Justice Samuels, Franklin

Franklin junior Justice Samuels played a pivotal role in helping the Panthers have an incredible season that culminated with the program’s first-ever state championship. Samuels’ presence around the rim was a game-changer. He was a reliable finisher on the offensive end (9.3 points per game) but really changed how opposing players had to play offensively with his defensive skills. His length helped him challenge shooters on the perimeter but his biggest strength was his ability to alter shots at the rim. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game altered so many more shots and forced opponents to second guess when they got near the rim. Samuels also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this winter. “Justice Samuels was one of the most impactful players on the court in many of our biggest games,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “His highlight reel shot blocking at the rim allowed our perimeter guards to really get after opponents knowing we had Justice waiting on the back line to clean everything up at the rim.”

Coach of the Year – CJ Neely, Franklin

CJ Neely 2025 HockomockSports Boys Basketball AwardsFranklin head coach CJ Neely has been selected as the Hockomocksports.com Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2024-2025 season; it’s the second straight year Neely has earned this award, and third total in the past four seasons.

Neely guided the Panthers to a 27-1 record, a second consecutive undefeated league season, a third straight Kelley-Rex division title, and the program’s first-ever Division 1 state championship. Franklin became the first team in 50 years to post back-to-back 16-0 league records and had one of the best defensive seasons, allowing under 48 points per game across 28 games.

“After graduating so many talented players from the 2024 team, I don’t think many people, if any, would have anticipated the season that Franklin had this year,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “Coach Neely still had high expectations for his team and this group bought in from the very start. They ended up becoming one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen in the Hock and played with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.”

Neely joins Mansfield’s Mike Vaughan (2018, 2015, 2013) as the only three-time winners of this award. Other preview winners include Sharon’s Andrew Ferguson (2023), Attleboro’s Mark Houle (2019), North Attleboro’s Sean Mulkerrins (2017), Oliver Ames’ Don Byron (2016), Taunton’s Charlie Dacey (2014, 2020), and Franklin’s Dean O’Connor (2012).

For the full listing of awards across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2024-2025/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com