Drake piling up double-doubles as Panthers search for wins

 January 2^nd, 2006

 Franklin High junior Koty Drake can’t shoulder the blamed for the Panther’s slow start to the 2006-07 basketball season.  After winning two of their first three games to start the season, Drake and his Franklin teammates dropped their next seven games before Christmas for a 2-8 record.  Playing on their home court in the annual Panther Christmas Classic, Franklin bounced back with wins over Robbinsville and Hayesville to improve to 4-8 on the season.

 Drake, a 6’4” center, is averaging 15.3 points-per-game and 10.4 rebounds-per-game on the season and has posted six double-doubles.  Over his last five games, Drake has improved to 19.0ppg and 14.0rpg as Franklin posted a 2-3 record.  Drake also leads the team in field-goal percentage (61%) and blocks (18) and is second on the team with 15 steals.

 On Wednesday night (Jan 3^rd), Drake and his fellow teammates will host rival Smoky Mtn Mustangs.  The Mustangs came out on top in the Dec 8^th clash in Sylva between the two schools, 62-53.

 Drake game-by-game (Opponent – Pts/Rebs):

Hayesville – 5/10

Robbinsville – 15/13

Swain County – 19/1

Pisgah – 11/4

Smoky Mtn – 18/10

T.C. Roberson – 8/10

Pisgah – 12/7

Erwin – 19/12

Tuscola – 25/22*

Highlands – 20/15

Robbinsville – 20/17

Hayesville – 11/4