FRANKLIN HITS 100; BULLDOGS SHINE ON SENIOR NIGHT
EAST PALESTINE, OH- In a thrilling Wednesday night showdown, the East Palestine Lady Bulldogs triumphed over the Toronto Red Knights with a final score of 30-23. The victory not only marked a significant win for the team but also held a special significance as they celebrated Senior Night. Adding to the jubilation, Coach Will Franklin achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his 100th career victory on the same memorable evening.
From the opening tip-off, the Lady Bulldogs displayed determination and resilience on the court. Led by the senior leadership of Leila Martin, East Palestine showcased their offensive prowess with Martin delivering an impressive performance, contributing 12 points to the team’s victory. Martin’s skillful play and leadership set the tone for the Bulldogs’ relentless pursuit of success.
Supporting Martin’s stellar performance, Jasmine Ludt and Alivia Magness added valuable contributions to the offensive attack, each tallying 6 points apiece. Ludt and Magness demonstrated their versatility and skill, complementing Martin’s scoring efforts with their own decisive plays throughout the game.
Gabby Andre and Marah Zimmerman also made notable contributions to the Bulldogs’ offensive output, with each player adding 3 points to the team’s tally. Their timely baskets and tenacious defense proved instrumental in securing the victory for East Palestine on this memorable occasion.
Despite the formidable challenge posed by the Toronto Red Knights, the Lady Bulldogs remained resilient and focused throughout the contest. Toronto’s leading scorer, Michelle Anderson, demonstrated her scoring prowess, while JJ Rebich and Ashton Thomas contributed 5 and 4 points respectively. However, the Lady Bulldogs’ cohesive teamwork and unwavering determination ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.
The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their beloved Lady Bulldogs, celebrating both the team’s triumph and Coach Will Franklin’s remarkable milestone. Franklin’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the Lady Bulldogs to numerous victories, and his achievement of 100 career wins is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. Franklin has led EP since 2013 and is the only coach in the girls’ program to ever lead his team to a conference title.
As the final buzzer sounded, the East Palestine Lady Bulldogs celebrated a hard-fought victory and a momentous milestone in Coach Franklin’s career. The win not only serves as a testament to the team’s talent and determination but also underscores the significance of Senior Night as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of the team’s graduating seniors.
