Team Spotlight- Franklin Central Flashes

Franklin Central Junior High has an abundance of talented players. These young men score, defend and excel at using the necessary intangibles needed to win games. I expect this team to have a strong finish to the 2025/2026 season.    CJ continues to show the ability to be a great " floor general." He's an excellent ball handler, leader and assists man. CJ instantly made an impact as soon as he stepped on the court. He showed all the traits of a lead guard by assisting, defending and communicating with teammates. CJ is an unselfish player who made others better with his efficient passing and play-making. The majority of his assists led to positive outcomes for Franklin Central. Whenever he attacked the lane, CJ looked to draw in defenders and dish off assists to teammates near the basket. CJ's most effective shot was the floater. He converted the high arching shot on a number of occasions. When he had the opportunity to knock down jump-shots, he did so with no hesitation. Defensively, he was tough! CJ stalked opposing guards and forced multiple turnovers. He made ball handling a difficult task for the Perry Meridian guards. CJ is great leader who will continue to thrive this season.     Briyon is the ultimate team player! He excelled at doing all the intangibles needed to help the team win. Whether it was rebounding, assisting, scoring or defending, Briyon showed a knack for making plays. When the team needed a crucial rebound or defensive play, he made it happen. The majority of Briyon's points came from attacking the basket or hustle plays. He scored on put-backs or knocked down jump-shots. His aggressive style of defense forced his opponent into multiple turnovers throughout the game. In some instances, Briyon showed his skills as a good passer. He made plays by finding teammates cutting to the basket for easy scores. As I said, this young man is a great team player who excelled at making all the right plays for Franklin Central     Cardel continues to be a big time scorer! The first time I watched him play, opposing defenses had issues containing him. After watching him play Tuesday night, I can say, “nothing has changed.” He continues to attack the basket, make perimeter shots, score in transition and extend his shooting range beyond the three-point line. He scored most of his lay-ups in acrobatic fashion. Cardel is an excellent rebounder for a two-guard. He does not mind battling taller players in the paint. Cardel continues to show his skills as a great scoring guard who is capable of making positive plays. In my opinion, he's become more of a play-maker as compared to the last time I watched him play. A couple of his assists were so on point, they gained a loud reaction from the crowd. Don't be fooled by his unselfishness! Cardel can fill it up on the basketball court. Especially, when opposing defenses take him lightly.     I always enjoy watching Kayden play anytime I have the opportunity to see him. He's an aggressive combo guard who looks to attack opposing defenders at all times. Kayden's an excellent ball handler who easily beats opponents off the dribble. This led to numerous scores in his one-on-one match-ups. Kayden excelled at scoring floaters around the basket. Whenever he had the opportunity to knock down threes, he did so with extreme confidence. A number of his baskets came in transition with great finishes at the rim. Kayden is a true scorer who thrives on making shots from all levels of the court. Defensively, he forced multiple turnovers with quick hands and great on-ball pressure. Kayden is a great player with an excellent all around game. With continued growth and maturity, I believe he's capable of becoming an elite player in the future.     If there was an All Defensive team, Carnell would be the leading catalyst. I appreciate the effort he showed on the defensive end of the court. Carnell plays like a guy who prioritized locking down his opponent. There was a sequence in the game where he forced a turnover, scored on a fast-break and immediately came down court and blocked a shot. This sequence exemplifies the effort Carnell showed to be a nuisance against the opposition. He's a good rebounder who didn't mind doing the dirty work in the paint. Most of his boards led to second chance scoring opportunities for his teammates. As the game went on, Carnell showed the ability to attack the basket and make three-pointers. I viewed Carnell mainly as a defensive player. Imagine how good he would be if he improves his skills offensively? He could become a great two-way player in the future. Carnell finished both games with seven steals.     Jaxton is a shifty point guard who played fearlessly against Perry Meridian. Whenever he was in isolated match-ups, Jaxton easily drove by his defender and made plays. Whether it was scoring at the basket or hitting teammates with flashy passes, Jaxton always created positive outcomes. He's a great mid-range shooter. During the game he scored on multiple pull-ups from the perimeter. If Maddox had an open look from beyond the arc, he did not shy away from it. Some he made, some he missed. His aggression on offense was constant throughout the game. One of his biggest strengths was his leadership. Jaxton always communicated with his teammates on both ends of the floor. He's a great young player who will continue to improve his overall basketball skills.

Franklin Central Junior High has an abundance of talented players. These young men score, defend and excel at using the necessary intangibles needed to win games. I expect this team to have a strong finish to the 2025/2026 season.