The Growth of Franklin Rebels
The Rebels of Franklin High School did lose their 2017-2018 season opener, but a teamwide maturation from a year ago is palpable.
“Last year we had a couple close ones that we didn’t pull out and this year we are more hungry and we have more experience,” said Reese Glover. “So, the first game it was the first game of the season and we were kind of rusty. This game (vs. Stratford) we were ready to come out and punch them in the face.”
Last season Franklin lost three games by less than five points, including the season-ending falter to Independence, 67-65.
Dealing with adversity defines the character a team and in the first two weeks FHS found adversity around every corner. They trailed on the road at East Nashville in the final minute of regulation. In the comforts of Franklin High Tuesday, Franklin and Reese Glover completely buried Stratford in the first half, 44-27.
And the near-death experience FHS allowed the visiting Spartans back in the gymnasium. In fact, Stratford captured a very late lead after a surging comeback.
Though the game continued into overtime, Franklin found a way to fix their emotional state and overcome the turmoil.
“No, I wasn’t nervous,” said Glover when asked after the frenzied win. “I know we just let them kill our 1-3-1. I knew we would be fine.”
The 1-3-1 is really interesting and provides the Rebels with a unique system. Opponents can train for Franklin’s 1-3-1, but it has a lot of neat little wrinkles that destabilize opposing guards.
The Zone
Class of 2019 guard Glover spearheads the zone, sometimes picking up fullcourt and other times welcoming the primary ball-handler into the forecourt.
Defensively, Franklin implemented a 1-3-1 three-quarter court press very well. The Rebels were able to slow down the Stratford guards with this approach. Glover even gently allowed the ball-handler to blow by him in the Stratford backcourt, expecting the guard to loosen up with the dribble. When the Spartan guard slowed to evaluate the three-man wall of Franklin defenders, Glover re-emerged tipping the ball loose.
Though it seemed counter intuitive the pressure worked most of the game. Truly the Stratford third quarter and portions of the fourth quarter witnessed a complete dismantling of the zone.
Both Stratford guards Keontai Windrow and Ja’hari Reed sprinted into the zone and deftly found Kevonte Boyd on the low block for a series of easy 2’s.
As smooth and unstoppable as Franklin appeared in the first half Stratford also steamrolled the FHS defense after halftime.
And yet Franklin found a way. The maturing team recovered and did win thanks to poised overtime possessions.
How good can Franklin be?
“I think we have all the parts we need,” said Reese Glover. “We are very good shooting team, but that is not all. We play a good 1-3-1 that most teams have trouble executing against. I think it is the best team I have been on at Franklin.”