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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
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It's safe to say that Franklin is not just starting a new chapter in the program, but arguably a whole new book. Dean O'Connor and the field house are gone. CJ Neely takes over the program and the team will play in a new state of the art gym. One thing that remains the same is the winning standard.
"I'm really looking forward to growing as a team and focusing on day to day progress," Neely said. "I expect our kids to really have to battle day to day for minutes which should make practices very competitive and enjoyable. If we stay focused on commitment to daily improvement I hope to be in contention in a highly talented and deep Hockomock league and make a strong tournament showing."
Six-foot-seven Marcus Giese returns as not only one of the better post players in the league, but one of the best players period. He's tough to defend around the rim and he showed last year that he can has extended his range. On defense, his shot blocking ability is unmatched and makes it tough to score in the paint. Tim Prunier had a breakout sophomore year last season and will look to build on that while Dylan Reno will emerge as a key player on both ends of the court.
FHS Panthers
The Panthers return all but two regular players from last season’s team, which lost the league title by a single game and reached the D1 Central semifinal in Franklin’s first year competing outside of Eastern Mass. Head coach John Leighton knows that his team enters the season with huge expectations, especially with star forward Lexi Martin back for her senior season and recently signed to play at Merrimack College.
“Lexi signed and that’s nice because now she can focus on the season without having to worry about it,” said Leighton. Along with Martin, Franklin returns a cast of players that can all play major roles in the drive and kick system that Leighton runs. Julianne Pisani was the team’s leading scorer in the tournament with Martin out injured and will be joined in the backcourt by her twin sister Tracey, who was the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year last winter.
Jillian Spolidoro adds size and shooting on the wing and junior Aubrie Kutil continues to develop into a weapon on the post. Alexandra Ethier and Olivia Adiletto will add scoring off the bench and Leighton expects junior Lauren Rudolph to return from an ankle injury that she suffered during the soccer season and add another shooter off the bench.
As if that was not enough talent to work with, Leighton is also looking for Caroline Maguire, Meghan Georges and “dynamic” freshman Kiera Fernandes to contribute as well. After regularly making deep runs in the tournament, Leighton is hopeful that this year’s team can “break through” and bring a title home to its new gym.
Franklin Library: Book Sale 12/13, Bag Sale 12/14 |
Franklin Performing Arts Company |
Franklin Performing Arts Company |
Two Franklin women and an Andover man, whom police say are suspects in at least 10 area house break-ins, are being held on $10,000 bail after their arraignment in Wrentham District Court Friday on charges related to a Plainville burglary last week, police said.
Rachelle O’Handley, 27, of 431 Lincoln St., Franklin, Sandra Salazar, 26, of 606 East Central St., Franklin, and James Howard, 35, of 15 High St., Andover, pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering during the daytime with intent to commit a felony, receiving stolen property of more than $250 and possession of a Class A drug, heroin, police said.
All three are also on probation for previous offenses, according to court documents.Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
Join us here for a fun afternoon of Gingerbread Man Decorating!
We will have some Winter Crafts and a Hot Chocolate Bar!
Santa will also be visiting!
We would love to have you stop by for an enjoyable afternoon!
Price of Admission: Donations at the door of Toiletry Items or cans of pineapple for the Franklin Food Pantry
Franklin KinderCare Learning Center |
winter event flyer |