The Franklin Sabers took on a tough conference opponent in Indian Trail last night in Kenosha and walked away with a 52-41 victory . The win last night keeps the Sabers on top in the SEC conference and improves their record to 7-4. 

It was a hard fought first half with the Sabers applying pressure anywhere they could to try and stop the lengthy Hawk squad. Junior Guard Dylan Drajkowski was able to get the Franklin squad rolling on offense with 7 points in the first half. On the opposite end of the court Eli Podoll, Jacques Brooks and Brady Clark played tenaciously on defense and gave the Hawks trouble on offense. The Sabers took an eight point lead into half as well as momentum coming off a last second bucket by Junior guard Dylan Drajkowski.

Indian Trail came out with a full head of steam in the second half and were able to retake the lead mid way through the half. With huge stops on defense by Eli Podoll and Jacques Brooks paired with tough finished by Will Gardner, Alex Mierow and Terrance Shelton the Sabers were able to regain the lead and ultimately win the game. 

The main focus of the game was to limit the Hawks big man and best player 6'8 Junior center Manasseh Stackhouse. Stackhouse has been on a tear this year averaging 23 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. A tag team mixture of Senior forward Alex Mierow and Terrance Shelton were able to limit Manasseh to only 11 points and a handful of rebounds. 

There were two DAWGS of the game, DAWG one deservingly went to senior guard Will Gardner for his poise and determination and finish with a team high 18 points and 6 of those being close out free throws at the end to put the game away. And definitely no stranger to being top DAWG is senior forward Alex Mierow. Mierow was able to limit Manasseh as well as finish at the rim finishing with 15 hard earned points. 

Look for the Sabers to continue their strong conference play against Kenosha Bradford this Friday by clicking here to get your tickets!