Franklin Regional boys looking to return to peak form

By: Paul Schofield
Monday, November 24, 2025 | 1:25 PM

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Two years after reaching the WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A finals, the Franklin Regional boys basketball team is looking to make another run to glory.

Fifth-year coach Jesse Reed said he expects his team to be very competitive again this season.

The Panthers finished the 2024-25 season 12-12 overall and 6-8 in the highly competitive Section 1. They lost to Montour in the opening round of the playoffs.

One of Reed’s biggest concerns is trying to replace the team’s top two scorers: Connor Crossey (20 points per game) and Jonah Johnston (11 ppg).

Crossey is now playing at Saint Vincent along with 2024 grad Colin Masten.

Reed will be counting on returning junior point guard Anthony Mitchell and senior forward Colin Holt along with junior guard Webber Rankin, junior guard Logan Walter and junior forward Thomas Bridges to pick up the scoring slack.

Mitchell averaged 5.5 points, Holt 3.4 and Rankin 3.1.

Reed also likes the physicality Bridges brings to the team. His dad, Terrell, played basketball at Duquesne (1993-1997).

“Thomas is very athletic and unselfish,” Reed said. “He brings a physical aspect to the game.

“I expect our guard play to be good, and our forwards run the floor well.”

Some new faces Reed is counting on include senior guard Daniel Mosiello, sophomore guard Alec Masten, junior guard Leo Clemente and junior forward Sean Cartwright.

“We did a lot of good things in the summer and fall,” Reed said. “It is going to be interesting how we come together. The players seem ready to stake the next step.”

Reed said the section Uniontown dominated last season will be highly competitive with Penn-Trafford, Gateway, McKeesport, Laurel Highlands, Latrobe and Albert Gallatin.

“Gateway has one of the best players in the WPIAL in Mykel Bruce-McCrommons,” Reed said. “Penn-Trafford is going to be good, and Latrobe added a big man.

“Every game is going to be a dogfight. There is a lot of good coaches in the section and some talented players.”

Reed said he expects to play at a fast pace and to be able to play strong defense. He hopes to build off the playoff experience the players gained the last two seasons.

The Panthers opened the 2025 playoffs by defeating Indiana, 71-50, in a preliminary-round game before falling to Montour, 70-42.

They won five of their final seven games to qualify for the playoffs with big victories against Latrobe, Laurel Highlands, McKeesport and Albert Gallatin.

“The biggest thing we need is more game reps,” Reed said. “I feel like this could be an exciting season if we come together.”

Franklin Regional boys at a glance

Coach: Jesse Reed

Last year’s record: 12-12 (6-8 in Section 1-5A)

Returning starters: Anthony Mitchell (Jr., PG), Colin Holt (Sr., F).

Others to watch: Webber Rankin (Jr., G), Logan Walter (Jr., G), Thomas Bridges (Jr., F).

Top newcomers: Daniel Mosiello (Sr., G), Alec Masten (So., G), Sean Cartwright (Jr., F), Leo Clemente (Jr. G).

SCHEDULE

12.2, at Plum, 7:30 p.m.

12.5, South Fayette^, 7:30 p.m.

12.6, TBD^

12.9, Kiski Area, 7:30 p.m.

12.12, Penn-Trafford*, 7:30 p.m.

12.13, at Moon+, 3:30 p.m.

12.16, at McKeesport*, 7 p.m.

12.19, Gateway*, 7:30 p.m.

12.23, at Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

12.26, Penn Hills#, 4 p.m.

12.27, TBD#

1.6, Latrobe*, 7:30 p.m.

1.9, Albert Gallatin*, 7:30 p.m.

1.13, at Uniontown*, 7 p.m.

1.16, at Penn-Trafford*, 7:30 p.m.

1.20, McKeesport*, 7:30 p.m.

1.23, at Gateway*, 7:30 p.m.

1.27, Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

1.30, at Latrobe*, 7:30 p.m.

2.1, Jeannette%, 7:30 p.m.

2.3, at Albert Gallatin*, 7:30 p.m.

2.6, Uniontown*, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^Mike Rettger Memorial Tournament at Franklin Regional

+La Roche Shoot Out

#South Allegheny holiday tournament

%Saint Vincent Shootout

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