Bryson City – Monday’s battle between a pair of unbeaten teams turned into a classic as both teams lived up to their early season hype. Franklin (3-0) got off to a hot start building a 1st quarter lead that Swain would whittle to six at 23-17. But over the next three quarters it would be the Maroon Devils who took control and slowly built a lead of their own, that at one point reached 15. In the end the Devils took the win to move to 3-0 by the score of 83-70.
The Panther duo of Griffin Green and Miles McClure put on a show as they combined for 49 of the Panthers 70 points. McClure put the Panthers on his back in the 1st and early 2nd quarter, he finished the game with 20 points. Green on the other hand was 5 of 10 from long range on his way to a game high 29 points.
Swain countered with five players in double figures. Isaiah Collins continued his stellar play with a 24 point night. Collins was 10 of 13 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Collins also pulled in a team high 7 rebounds. Donnavin Groenewold was dominant for a stretch in the 3rd quarter finishing with 19 points on the night to go along with 4 assists. Carter Kirkland, despite limited minutes due to foul trouble had 11 points. Josh Collins provided a spark off the bench for Swain, finishing with 14 points. Cooper Hyatt rounded out the double figure scorers by finishing with 10 points and 4 assists.
The Maroon Devils outshot the Panthers 54% to 43% from the field. Swain took the lead for good early in the 3rd period, up until that time the two teams had exchanged the lead.