Here are three quick thoughts from Franklin’s impressive 93-76 win against Canyon Springs from Las Vegas, a team that won a state title a year ago and features at least one D-I player.
1. The Quakers are incredibly balanced. Franklin is not a team that will rely on one guy from scoring. In fact, against a team featuring future D-I player Shaquille Carr, the Quakers had four players score in double figures and six players score at least seven points. In the “coach’s comments” section of the Tournament of Champions program, Franklin coach Jason Kerr said this team has “more length than they have had in years.” Yet it was Franklin’s guards who controlled the tempo and pace for much of the game. Arrell Hennings and Tim McMillon outplayed their counterparts.
2. Franklin should get better. After the game, Kerr said his team is a little short on guard depth right now. But that will change after Saturday’s final against Union. Senior guard Darnell Berry is set to return from an injury and should only add to a talented backcourt.
3. If the Quakers can shoot like this, they can beat anyone. Franklin hit 11 three-pointers against Canyon Springs, and all of them came in the third quarter. The Quakers made 11 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc, a staggering 58 percent.