Top Team Preview: Franklin Central

Already off to a 1-0 start by defeating the Martinsville Artesians 60-48, Coach Mark James and his Franklin Central squad are looking forward to another year as a 4A stalwart. The Flashes have produced some top talent in recent years, sending players like JuJuan Johnson (Purdue) and John Ashworth (IUPUI) on to play college ball. Franklin Central looks to build upon their back to back sectional winning teams, taking the next step with regional and state success. Two years ago, the Flashes lost to Eric Gordon's North Central team in the regional finals, and last year they were bounced in the first round of regionals by Carmel.

Coach James' team is led by 6'8" power forward and Purdue recruit Partick Bade. The lefty is a skilled big man with a soft touch and a knack for getting rebounds. He will have to add strength before arriving in West Lafayette, as he sometimes struggles to finish around the rim when there is contact. This was seen during the AAU season this summer while playing with Indiana Elite LNO alongside such recruits as Matt Kenney (Valpo), Terone Johnson (Purdue), and Dominique Ferguson (Kentucky). And that's the second best Indiana Elite team! Bade will be joined by experienced point guard, 5'9" Casey Coons. Coons is a heady leader who is like another coach on the floor, since he has been with Coach James for so long. This gym rat will find a college home on some level. The Flashes will be helped out by 6'4" junior forward Nate Odle and 6'1" junior guard Jordan Weidner. They have size to spare in 6'5" senior forward Zack Sherwood.

The expectations are high for Franklin Central, with two consecutive sectional titles. Expect another shot at a regional crown for Mark James' Flashes.