Connor Crossey helps Franklin Regional boys rally past Seneca Valley
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Monday, December 2, 2024 | 10:11 PM
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey celebrates a second half three-pointer against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey drives upcourt against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey celebrates a first half three-pointer against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey shoots a three-pointer against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Anthony Mitchell celebrates after making a three-pointer against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey drives to the basket against Seneca Valley on Monday. Crossey scored a game-high 18 points in the victory.
Franklin Regional head coach Jesse Reed talks with Anthony Mitchell during their game against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Webber Rankin drives against Seneca Valley’s Luke West on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Jonah Johnston drives to the basket against Seneca Valley on Monday.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey scores past Seneca Valley’s Jaxon Householder during their game on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Seneca Valley’s Owen Congdon drives to the basket against Franklin Regional on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Colin Holt battles Seneca Valley’s Andrew Omasits for a loose ball during their game on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Anthony Mitchell brings the ball upcourt against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey works to the basket against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Seneca Valley’s Owen Congdon drives to the basket against Franklin Regional on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Connor Crossey celebrates a second half three-pointer against Seneca Valley on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Murrysville.
Connor Crossey is the lone starter returning from the 2023-24 Franklin Regional boys basketball team that had a memorable season.
The Panthers were PIAA and WPIAL Class 5A runners-up.
Franklin Regional opened the 2024-25 season Monday in the annual Mike Rettger Memorial Basketball Tournament, and Crossey played a key role in rallying the Panthers to a victory.
Crossey scored a game-high 18 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Panthers to a 43-37 victory against Class 6A Seneca Valley in a sloppy opener for both teams.
Strong defensive efforts from both teams slowed down the offenses.
“We found a way, and that’s what it’s all about,” Franklin Regional coach Jesse Reed said. “It wasn’t pretty, but this is a brand-new team other than Connor.
“It was far from pretty. We have a lot of learning we have to do as a group. It was a good test to start the team against a team like Seneca Valley. They get up in you, and they force you out of your comfort zone.”
The Panthers turned the ball over 25 times, 17 in the first half. That made it difficult for Franklin Regional to run its offense.
On the other end, Seneca Valley had problems solving the Panthers’ tough man-to-man defense.
“We were 2 for 17 for beyond the 3-point line. We missed a lot of layups and were 15 for 24 from the foul line,” Seneca Valley coach Kevin Trost said. “We played hard, and we defended well. We just didn’t shoot the ball well at all. I don’t know what went wrong.”
Franklin Regional led 9-6 after a sloppy first quarter, and the teams were tied 19-19 at halftime.
Seneca Valley jumped out to a 25-22 lead after three quarters, and then the Panthers’ offense found their footing.
Sophomore Anthony Mitchell, who finished with 10 points, drained a 3-point to tie the score 25-25, and then Crossey took over.
His bucket and free throw gave the Panthers a 28-27 lead, and then he nailed a layup and 3-pointer to push the lead to 33-27.
He made 8 of 9 free throws down the stretch to close out the game.
“I got into foul trouble in the first quarter, and it messed with my confidence,” Crossey said. “Down the stretch we were able to play with more patience and get down the court easier.”
Trost said he felt Franklin Regional was more physical and wore his team down.
Owen Congdon led Seneca Valley with 11 points, and Jaxon Householder added 10.
Franklin Regional (1-0) will host Quaker Valley 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, whereas Seneca Valley (0-1) faces Avonworth (1-0) at 6.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Seneca Valley
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