New-look roster to write next chapter for Franklin Regional boys basketball

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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The word “almost” gets thrown around a lot when people talk about the 2023-24 Franklin Regional boys basketball program.

The Panthers almost beat Moon in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game. They almost rallied to put a scare into powerhouse Imhotep Charter in the PIAA championship, their first trip to the state finals since 1997.

In the end, it was a silver-lined season for the archives.

“Last year gave us a lot of good memories,” Panthers coach Jesse Reed said. “I still lose sleep over a couple games. That’s never going to change. I won’t say it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing we did, but times like that are few and far between. You have to enjoy it.”

The page turns to a new chapter for the Panthers, who only return one starter from a team that came within one win of the school record with 27.

The fast-paced Panthers had a 12-game winning streak during one stretch and won 16 of their last 18 games.

Senior Connor Crossey will lead a group that has minimal experience overall, but also one that had a front-row seat to a thrilling run that had Murrysville, Delmont and Export wanting more.

With Cam Rowell (Washington & Jefferson), Cooper Rankin (La Roche), Fin Hutchinson (Seton Hill) and Colin Masten (Westmoreland County Community College) all playing in college now, a new group of playmakers will look to emerge.

That is 80% of the offense out the door.

Seniors Jack Spagnol (guard) and Andrew Devola (forward) also saw significant minutes and will look to be key components to a group with a new identity.

“You try to build off of the guys we have returning,” Reed said. “They see what it took to put us in that position. Sometimes, the ball has to bounce your way, and you need some luck. It’s about making winning plays.”

Reed has an abundance of players — he had 20 or more at most open gyms — but had to find the right rotation of new names.

Senior forward Jonah Johnson is another player to watch and one of the tallest on a guard-heavy roster at 6-foot-2.

“Our junior varsity went 16-2,” Reed said. “So we want to see them build off of good habits. We don’t want to be a finished product in December.”

While Rowell and Rankin were a credible one-two scoring punch, the Panthers could need more balance this year, with Crossey leading the charge.

“Ideally,” Reed said. “We had some good, ball-dominant guys. Now, any given night, we hope to have someone be the guy to step up. We’ll look to Connor to be aggressive. We need to find guys and put them in the right position to be confident with the ball.

“I want us to play with pace and tempo. I want to be able to adjust and slow down if we need to. Stops lead to transition.”

Others looking to provide minutes include senior guard Mitchell Stonecheck, senior forward Dylan Carr, sophomore guards Webber Rankin and Anthony Mitchell, junior guard Colin Holt and sophomore forward Cole Devola.

Sophomores Thomas Bridges and Logan Walter also are looking to contribute.

“When a team has everybody filling roles, that’s when you’re successful,” Reed said.

The season will open for the Panthers on Dec. 2 with the annual Mike Rettger Tournament in Murrysville.

Avonworth and Seneca Valley will join the Panthers, who were searching for a fourth team after Riverview pulled out and switched to another tournament.

The Panthers’ new-look section (1-5A) also will house Albert Gallatin, Gateway, Latrobe, Laurel Highlands, McKeesport, Penn-Trafford and Uniontown.

Franklin Regional boys basketball at a glance

Coach: Jesse Reed

Last year’s record: 27-4, 9-1 Section 3-5A

Returning starters: Connor Crossey (Sr., G)

Top newcomers: Drew Devola (Sr., F), Jonah Johnson (Sr, F), Jack Spagnol (Sr., G)

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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