PORTLAND – The Benson Tech boys basketball team sent host Franklin to its 13th straight loss Friday night, 74-58, to complete a season sweep in a 6A Portland matchup.
It was the second meeting between the Techmen (12-10, 7-7 6A Portland) and the Quakers (2-19, 0-13). Benson jumped out to an early 21-15 lead with an aggressive approach defensively, forcing early turnovers and also attacking from the three-point line. Emanuel Steward led the way from the three-point line as the Techmen led 30-18 at the end of the first quarter.
Franklin picked up its defensive intensity in the second quarter, forcing several turnovers, enabling the Quakers to cut into the deficit. Franklin held Benson to just nine second-quarter points, but still trailed 39-28 at the break.
“I feel like we played really well. We executed our shots perfectly as we did in practice and we were selfless,” said Benson senior center Judah Kelly. “Everyone performed their roles well and everything was connecting. It’s sad for me to see the season come to an end for this is my last season. Despite that, I am very excited to be able to end my career on a great season and be able to see that I am leaving a very talented team that has a lot of potential and will dominate in the future.”
Both teams return to action February 13 with Benson taking on Madison and Franklin facing the fearsome Grant squad.
