By Frank A. Davis

The Franklin High School varsity girls basketball team fought hard the entire game Feb. 3 but could not ultimately overtake the visiting Surry County High School Lady Cougars.

With 2:14 remaining to be played, the home team came within one point of tying the visitors, 38-37, but Surry County pumped in a few more baskets to claim a 44-37 win over the Lady Broncos.

“It was a well-fought ballgame,” Franklin Head Coach Dennis Sumblin said in comments made after the game. “We had a couple of turnovers in the end, and the girls panicked a little, but we are missing a guard that can really help us to control the ball.”

He noted that the Lady Broncos have lost a few games so far this year, but they have been in every ballgame.

“We are building and getting better,” he said. “I think by the end of the year and tournament play, we may be the team to look out for. So, if we can get our guard back to help us out and continue to improve in the paint and learn how to pass the ball sharper, we will be good to go. We are going to fight to the end and build a great team here at Franklin High School.”

The Lady Broncos were led in scoring Feb. 3 by Arbani Wiggins, with 13 points, followed by Roshanda Hoskie, with 10 points.

The Lady Cougars had three players in double figures — Ajah Lee, with 13 points, Cheyenne Mayard, with 11 points, and Kniyah White, with 10 points.