For the Daily Journal
Franklin, playing its second game in as many nights, used a couple of short spurts to its advantage and beat host Indian Creek, 57-45, Wednesday night.
It was the first time in more than two years that these Johnson County rivals had met on the court.
Franklin was looking to make amends after their 68-48 opening-night loss at Class 4A No. 6 Center Grove on Tuesday.
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Despite that, Franklin coach Brad Dickey felt the Cubs played better in that game than at certain times against the Braves.
“We were probably a better team (Tuesday night). Indian Creek knocked us out of our offense, but our defense was exceptional,” said Franklin coach Brad Dickey. “So, we get an A-plus on the defensive side and a D-minus on offense.”
Franklin surged and looked to make it a quick night, going on a 9-0 run in the final two minutes of the first quarter, but the Cubs couldn’t sustain it, scoring only seven points in the second.
Indian Creek found the correct time to hit some shots and the game was tied 22-all going into the half.
“We got a lot of positive scoring plays out of Cory Richards and Reece Thomson, and Thomas Crow spotted in and helped create a run for us and that was a lot of fun for him and the team,” said Dickey.
The Cubs were able to gradually pull away from Indian Creek in the third quarter, taking a five-point lead, but nothing appeared definite until there was 3:46 left in the game and the Cubs had a 12-point lead.
Indian Creek, to its credit, was able to get some steals and score to trim the margin to a manageable five points, at 50-45, with 1:11 left. But the Cubs found their poise and turned up their game, going on a 7-0 run and evening their record at 1-1.
Richards led the Cubs with 16 points, with fellow senior Thomson adding 15.
Indian Creek was led by senior Jace Russell’s 14 points., while Isaiah Lacey and Zach Pugh each scored 10 for the Braves (0-1).
“I thought defensively were pretty good and we did a good job of containing them,” said coach Drew Glentzer. “Overall, we played some kids a lot of minutes. We don’t have much depth and I wasn’t in a position to bring too many guys in. Ironman basketball is tough.”
Franklin enters Mid-State Conference play against Decatur Central next Friday in its home opener. Indian Creek travels a few miles to take on county rival Edinburgh on Saturday.
