Basketball Game Preview: Franklinton Red Rams vs. Northern Nash Knights

Franklinton hasn't had much luck against Northern Nash recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Franklinton Red Rams will be playing at home against the Northern Nash Knights at 7:30 p.m. Franklinton has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

On Wednesday, Franklinton came up short against Wakefield and fell 73-64. While losing is never fun, the Red Rams can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 346th, while the Wolverines are ranked 136th).

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Northern Nash). They claimed a resounding 83-55 win over Nash Central. The Knights have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four matchups by 20 points or more this season.

Franklinton better keep an eye on Christian Barnes. He was instrumental in Northern Nash's win, going 8 for 14 on his way to 20 points and six assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Kingston Little, who almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine rebounds.

Northern Nash smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Franklinton's defeat dropped their record down to 6-8. As for Northern Nash, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 8-5.

Franklinton suffered a grim 72-52 defeat to Northern Nash when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Franklinton avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.