Open Gym Report: Franklin Central Flashes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of my favorite parts about working with Prep Hoops Indiana is being able to get out and spend time with the many outstanding coaches across the state of Indiana. That is why I value getting to as many open gyms and fall workouts as possible throughout the months of September and October. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity at a more intimate view of individual programs while also building a relationship with each coaching staff. Our journey across the state started on Tuesday, September 3rd with a trip to see the Flashes of Franklin Central High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has admittedly been tough sledding of late for the Franklin Central program. Going into last season they hadn't won double-digit games for three straight years and had failed to reach 10 wins in five of the last six. However, in year one, Coach Kyle Ballard was able to get over that hump finishing 11-14. The Flashes consistently play a difficult schedule as is the case with any Indianapolis area team. That will be no different in 2024-2025 competing in the very tough Hoosier Crossroads Conference and scheduling non-conference opponents like Lawrence Central, Ben Davis, Zionsville, New Palestine, Lawrence North, and Greenfield-Central. It isn't easy to make it through that sort of gauntlet. The light at the end of the tunnel for the Flashes this season though will be a wide open Sectional 12. You could actually make a case right now for Franklin Central to be the on paper favorite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of the optimism for Franklin Central this season surrounds 6'7" junior small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett']. The talented left-handed wing put up 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game last season and will be a leading candidate for a "Core" Indiana Junior All-Star spot this year. Hazelett, who is ranked #2 in the Prep Hoops Indiana Class of 2026 Prospect Rankings, is coming off of a great summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] on the EYBL Circuit. He has shown much improved confidence with the ball in his hands as a playmaker and is more aggressive as a catch-and-shoot threat. However, due to a torn meniscus, we will have to wait a bit to see him in action this winter. The goal currently is for the Flashes' star to return sometime in December.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While having to play without Hazelett to begin the season, Franklin Central will lean upon some veteran leadership to keep things afloat. 6'6" forward [player_tooltip player_id='2485672' first='Darius' last='Helm'] is the Flashes top returning scorer not named Hazelett as he averaged 7.3 points and a team-leading 5.7 rebounds per game last season. The big lefty is a force on the block and can score consistently over his right shoulder. Helm even flashed a little bit of catch-and-shoot ability during Tuesday afternoon's workout. Fellow seniors Dante Edwards and Carson Back are returning primary rotation pieces as well having averaging 6.4 and 4.9 points per game respectively a year ago. Both are athletic guards who will provide a scoring punch on the perimeter with Back being the team's best three-point shooting threat after making 39.3% of his attempts as a junior. then, there is 6'6" senior center Elijah Thompson. The big man displayed good hands consistently catching it and finishing when the ball was thrown inside to him. Despite being right handed, Thompson really finished well with his left throughout the workout. Look for him to have a bit of a breakout senior season and potentially even draw some small college interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alongside the quartet of seniors, there were two other players that stood out during Franklin Central's open gym. Junior wing Fletch DePalma and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2622077' first='Raymond' last='Hayes'] both will be asked to step into larger roles this season, especially during the absence of Hazelett. DePalma is very strong and athletic with good passing ability. He will be a critical glue guy within the Flashes offense. Meanwhile, Hayes has a knack for scoring that this team will really need. The 5'7" guard may be small, but his ball skill and raw talent shined on Tuesday. Remember his name as he could have some big scoring outputs early in the season for Franklin Central. Also, look for 6'5" sophomore big man [player_tooltip player_id='2622080' first='Jayce' last='Brewer'] to make an impact after football season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the end, Franklin Central will need [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett'] to be fully healthy and take a junior year leap for them to get above .500 and compete for the Sectional 12 title. Based on what we saw from him this summer, it is safe to assume that a healthy Hazelett would be one of the better players in the state this season. The Flashes have plenty of size as well with 6'6" seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2485672' first='Darius' last='Helm'] and Elijah Thompson along with 6'5" sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2622080' first='Jayce' last='Brewer']. Plus, Hazelett is 6'7" himself with impressive length. In the backcourt, it will be up to guys like Dante Edwards and Carson Back to provide some veteran leadership while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2622077' first='Raymond' last='Hayes'] could be an X-Factor with his microwave scoring ability. Fighting their way though such a tough schedule could mean this team takes their lumps, but don't be surprised if Franklin Central is a tough out come tournament time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->