Basketball Game Preview: Franklinton Red Rams vs. Southern Nash Firebirds

Franklinton and Southern Nash are an even 5-5 against one another since February of 2020, but not for long. The Franklinton Red Rams will head out to face off against the Southern Nash Firebirds at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Franklinton knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past three matchups -- so hopefully Southern Nash likes a good challenge.

Having struggled with six losses in a row, Franklinton turned things around against Oxford Prep on Saturday. They took their contest with ease, bagging a 77-17 victory over the Griffins. That 60 point margin sets a new team best for the Red Rams this season.

Franklinton's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Kirby Ransom, who almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds, and Darius Slankard, who went 6 for 9 on his way to 12 points along with six boards and four steals. Those 12 points gave Slankard a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Zymir Lipscomb, who posted ten points and three steals.

Franklinton smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in five consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Southern Nash played a tough matchup on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They had to suffer through a 68-23 loss at the hands of Northern Nash. The defeat continues a trend for the Firebirds in their matchups with the Knights: they've now lost seven in a row.

Franklinton's win bumped their record up to 7-9. As for Southern Nash, their loss dropped their record down to 5-5.

Things could have been worse for Franklinton, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 70-52 loss to Southern Nash when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Franklinton avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.