Our Game of the Week is Habersham Central versus Franklin County. The Hab Central teams are fresh off deep playoff runs and historic region championships. Franklin County likewise, once out of region, rolled deep into the bracket. This is a December litmus test for both here, as we’re still early in the season.

HABERSHAM VS FRANKLIN GIRLS

The Lady Raiders had a very young and inexperienced group last year that gelled so well. Habersham won the region title on the home court, and subsequently marched to the Sweet 16. A new era begins as Habersham alum Brianna Webb (formerly Barrett) takes over the program with high energy and a focus on making another special run. This team has great ball control and can dominate in the paint. Franklin County also made a Sweet 16 run, and run the Princeton offense at a high speed. These girls love to shoot, but lack some depth to open the season.

HABERSHAM VS FRANKLIN BOYS

The Raiders had a historic run last year to the Elite 8, winning also a region title. BLITZ Player of the Year Enzo Combs is gone, along with JoJo McCurry and a few other special talents. The big holdovers include a pair of starters that can score in many ways. That versatility is going to be key all season, as well as some new players to step up into bigger roles. The Lions have an Elite 8 team as well that returns five players with starting experience, led by a 1,000-pt scorer in Bentley Huff. Pace and space are crucial for Franklin County to succeed.

BY THE NUMBERS

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GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Be looking for highlights post-game later tonight as well as a story recapping the contest.

3 KEYS TO WIN

• HABERSHAM/FRANKLIN GIRLS
  • The Lady Raiders must (1) control the pace of the game, (2) be physical underneath/in the paint, and (3) get the crowd involved.
  • The Lady Lions must (1) play ahead early, (2) not get in foul trouble, and (3) keep the crowd out of it.
• HABERSHAM/FRANKLIN BOYS
  • The Raiders must (1) spread the floor out with some deep shots early, (2) get new playmakers involved, and (3) limit the open shots Bentley Huff gets.
  • The Lions must (1) push the pace to fit their offense, (2) keep their composure even when Habersham is going on a run, and (3) win the rebounding battle.

DETAILS OF THE MATCHUP

TIME: 6 PM Girls / 7:30 PM Boys
PLACE: Habersham Central HS / Mt. Airy, GA

PLAYERS TO WATCH – GIRLS

PLAYERS TO WATCH – BOYS