Last Updated: Thu Jun 13, 2024 - 7:51AM
The Franklin Regional boys basketball team produced one of the best seasons in school history this winter, reaching both the WPIAL and PIAA championship games.
After failing to qualify for the postseason a year ago, FR started the 2023-24 season with a five-game winning streak. During that time, FR ousted Greensburg Central Catholic, Seneca Valley, and Hempfield Area. After a narrow setback against Butler Area, the Panthers bounced back with three more non-section victories, including a win at North Allegheny.
As the calendar turned to January, FR continued to stack wins in Class 5A Section 3 play. The Panthers won three straight in the section before a home loss to Gateway.
That would be the last time that Franklin Regional tasted defeat in more than six weeks, however. In addition to marquee non-section victories against Shaler Area and Obama Academy, the Panthers ran the table in section play, highlighted by a road win against the Gators to clinch the section title.
In the Class 5A playoffs, FR notched a home win against Mars Area, and once again defeated Gateway and Shaler Area to advance to the WPIAL title game. With district gold on the line, though, FR went cold in the fourth quarter, falling to Moon Area 53-48 in the Panthers’ first title appearance since 2018 at the Petersen Events Center.
The state playoffs presented another opportunity for FR, however, and the Panthers responded with a deep run. FR claimed a home victory against Warwick, and then knocked off Selinsgrove. Franklin Regional defeated Shaler Area for a third time, and then gained revenge against Moon in the semifinals with a 60-43 victory to punch its ticket to the Hershey.
Facing Philadelphia powerhouse Imhotep Institute Charter, the Panthers suffered a 59-48 defeat in the PIAA Class 5A Championship at the GIANT Center to finish the season at 27-4. It was the first state title appearance for the Panthers since 1997.
The senior-laden group was anchored by a trio of college-bound players. Cam Rowell, a Washington & Jefferson College commit, paced the team in scoring, while La Roche University pledge Cooper Rankin was narrowly behind in scoring production. Fin Hutchinson, who will continue on the hardwood at Seton Hill University, Colin Masten, and Connor Crossey, a junior, were also staples in the starting lineup for head coach Jesse Reed.
Because of their memorable season, the Franklin Regional boys basketball team is recognized as Shining Stars which earns the program a $500 contribution courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.
ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs.