Franklin High School Boys Basketball and Cheer Teams Honored at State House for Championship Victories

FHS Boys Basketball and Cheer Teams

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are proud to share that the Franklin High School cheerleading and boys basketball teams were both recognized for their championship victories during an honorary visit to the State House on Wednesday, April 30.

The two teams were guests of state Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, of Franklin, and state Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch, of Needham.

Both teams won their respective Division 1 state championships for the winter 2025 season.

The basketball team was recognized for their Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 1 Boys' Basketball State Championship, while the cheer team was recognized for their Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) Division 1 State Championship.

For the Franklin High School cheerleading team, it was the fifth state championship in a row and the second state championship won this school year, after the cheerleaders also won the state championship for the fall season. The cheerleading team’s graduating seniors finished their high school careers having won seven out of their last eight state championship competitions.

In addition to the MSAA Division 1 Championship, the Franklin High cheerleading team earned the title of Hockomock League Champions this season and won its Regional Championship.

The cheerleading team also won the title of 2025 Grand Champions at the Americheer International Competition, coming in first place for their category and scoring the highest score of the competition.

The basketball team went 27-1 overall this season. The team then went 5-0 in the state tournament, beating Shrewsbury, North Andover, Bridgewater Raynham, and Central Catholic, before winning the MIAA Division 1 championship final, defeating Newton North 55-52.

For Franklin High Basketball, this marked a back-to-back state finals appearance. This was only the second time that this happened in team history, following the team’s success in 2017 and 2018.

And for the second year in a row, the Franklin High boys basketball team went undefeated in its 16 games of league play, resulting in the team being ranked No. 1 overall heading into the state tournament. The Franklin High boys basketball team was the first team in the league to accomplish this feat in 50 years.

The Franklin High School Cheerleading roster included seniors Keira Owens (captain), Ceci Pineda (captain), Lea Exposito (captain), Emma Rondeau (captain), Kat Rosenberg, and Taylor Briggs; juniors Cassidy Stanley, Aeriel Orrell, Emily Bartlett, Lilah Wainwright; and sophomores Ashley Rickey and Aria Nicholson. The cheerleading team was led by Coach Doni Gill, and the team received direction from choreographer Eric Bichao.

The championship Franklin boys basketball team roster included seniors Caden Sullivan (captain), Seth O’Donnell (captain), Joseph Conlan, Wyatt Herndon, Zach Allen, Flynn Baker, Andrew Geer, Jake Olmstead and Colin O’Leary; juniors Jack Sullivan, Justice Samuels, James Crowley; sophomore Nas Johnson; and freshman Danny Santos. The Franklin basketball team was led by Head Coach CJ Neely, and the coaching staff also included Mike Doherty, Ryan Perron, Chuck Allen, Tim Rodgers, Connor Moroney, Matt Coooper and Rob Mosher.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis both congratulated the teams for the State House recognition, capping off an extraordinary year of success on the basketball court and the cheerleading mat.

"The State House trip was a fitting way to celebrate these two teams and recognize them for their tremendous success this school year," said Director Ellis. "I’m so proud of these hard-working, dedicated athletes. This was truly an incredible year for our Franklin High School boys basketball and cheerleading teams."

"Congratulations once again to our state champion Franklin High School boys basketball and cheerleading teams," said Superintendent Giguere. "This was a remarkable year for both of them. We are very proud of all of their success. I'd like to thank state Rep. Roy and state Sen Rausch for facilitating this special day of recognition for our championship-winning student athletes."

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205224

Boston Globe’s All-Scholastics for Winter 2024-25 recognize Sullivan, Woodall, & CJ Neeley

"The sounds of winter athletics are timeless, from the thump of a bouncing basketball in a quiet gym, the slice of a skate across ice, the thwack of skin against mat, the whoosh of waxed skis, to the splash of swimmers coming off the blocks.

While the soundtrack is ageless, there’s a new crop of high school athletes filling those gyms, rinks, tracks, pools, and slopes every season. So after crowning 31 state championship teams, it’s time to recognize the top individual athletes with the Boston Globe’s All-Scholastics for Winter 2024-25.

Chosen by a panel of Boston Globe beat writers and editors — with the exception of the prep choices — the 250 All-Scholastics, 39 athletes of the year, and 38 coaches of the year are selected using a combination of statistics, awards, notes, recommendations, and observation. Student-athletes from schools in Eastern Mass. leagues are eligible."

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/02/sports/boston-globe-all-scholastics-winter-2024-2025/

 

Boys Basketball ->  Caden Sullivan and CJ Neely recognized (Coach of the Year)

 https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/202425/all-scholastics/?sport=boys-basketball

 

Wrestling -> Johnny Woodall

 https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/202425/all-scholastics/?sport=wrestling

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

 

 

Caden Sullivan led Franklin to its first boys' basketball state championship, earning himself a spot on the boys' basketball Super Team along the way. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe

St. Mary's 8th grade CYO players recognized: Tommy Flynn & Danny Abdilmasih

Tommy Flynn & Danny Abdilmasih

 

St. Mary's Franklin CYO Basketball 🏀 (@St_MarysCYO) posted  Apr 29, 2025:

 

Congratulations to St. Mary's 8th grade CYO players, Tommy Flynn and Danny Abdilmasih! https://t.co/QCxrQlicpD

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!

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

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"

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1431 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, April 17, 2025.  

Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topic for this session:

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

• per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, 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

• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote

• 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

• Proclamations and recognition for 

• the FHS Cheerleaders, National Champs for 5th year

• the FHS boys basketball team, State Division 1 Champs

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

• 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

• 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

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 35 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1431-town-council-quarterbacking-04-17-25/

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

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 album 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!

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

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

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

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

2025 HockomockSports Girls Basketball Awards: FHS' Fales, Bonacci recognized

HockomockSports Second Team

• Chloe Fales – Franklin – Guard

Franklin senior guard Chloe Fales capped off her three varsity seasons by helping the Panthers regain the Kelley-Rex title and reach the Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen and was selected as the Kelley-Rex division MVP by the league’s coaches. Fales filled the stat sheet every night for the Panthers. She scored 10.3 points per game while shooting 35% from three-point range. Fales also grabbed 104 rebounds, had 46 steals, and took 17 charges, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Chloe was the key to our offensive success. Not only was she an elite shooter, but she created for her teammates by driving and kicking. Her effort on both ends was remarkable as she led us in scoring, steals, and charges taken. When your best scorer leads you in charges taken, it sets an example for our younger players.”

HockomockSports All Defensive Team

• Elle Bonacci – Franklin

Bonacci, a senior guard, was a steadying influence for Franklin this season, helping the Panthers regain the Kelley-Rex division title. Although one of the shortest players on the court each night, Bonacci grabbed 71 defensive rebounds and had 65 deflections and 45 steals. On the other end, she dished out 60 assists and shot 39% from three. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Elle played every minute with passion and did all she could to help us be successful. She regularly covered the other team’s best player regardless of any height difference. Elle is one of the fiercest competitors I have coached.”

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

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

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

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

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 

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
• Proclaimations 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 unaninmous. 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.

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

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