Boys Basketball - Franklin Regional vs Mars

Mars Soars in Fourth Period to Hand Franklin Regional Boys Their First Loss, 59-51

The last time Mars and Franklin Regional squared off in boys basketball, it was for last year's WPIAL Class 5A championship. Mars won that battle, on the neutral court of the Petersen Events Center, and went on to finish as runner-up at the PIAA 5A championship game. Both teams lost key players to graduation, yet both are still highly regarded in current season basketball rankings in several publications. Both teams were unbeaten coming into their rematch on Monday, December 17 at Franklin Regional's gym, and as Section 3 foes in the current alignment, they are destined to meet again on Mars' court later in the season. 

Mars jumped out to an early advantage and led 13-5 after one period. The Panthers matched the Planets point-for-point in the second period as both teams put up 16 while facing foul trouble with their big men, and Mars led 29-21 at intermission. Then the Panthers made their move, going on a third period run and outscoring the Planets 18-6, flipping the lead to 39-35 going into the final frame. But Mars fought back from adversity, getting big man Michael Carmody back on the floor for valuable minutes, and went on a run of their own, outscoring Franklin Regional 24-12 in the fourth period to claim a 59-51 conference game win.   

Mars was led by Andrew Recchia's 17 points, with Khori Fusco adding 15 and Michael Carmody 12. Franklin Regional's Michael Klingensmith matched Recchia for game high honors with 17, and Thomas Merante chipped in for 9 in the losing effort. 

Mars improves to 4-0 overall, 2-0 in section. Franklin Regional goes to 5-1 overall, 1-1 in section play. 

Watch this link for a full gallery of action photos available for purchase or sharing the day after the game.