GIRLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Pelham’s Quadranique Franklin had big shoes to fill

ALBANY — Quadranique Franklin knew the shoes were big, but she was lucky enough to receive advice on how to wear them from the previous owner.

Franklin, a standout at Pelham High School, was tasked with occupying the role that former Lady Hornets star Briunna Freeman left before heading to play collegiately at Arkansas.

The guard more than filled the shoes, becoming Pelham’s go-to scorer and putting together a year that earned her the Albany Herald girls Player of the Year.

“I talked to Briunna a lot about how tough it was to replace her,” Franklin said. “After she left, I knew I was going to have to step up since she was gone. She put in a lot of work, and I just wanted to keep that going.”

The senior helped lead Pelham to a 28-2 record that included a perfect mark in region play. The Lady Hornets made a strong run into the state tournament before falling in the quarterfinals to eventual state champion Holy Innocents.

“This year was a great experience,” Franklin said. “I really liked the team this year. They were very dedicated to winning and that is what I wanted to do.”

After being named to the Albany Herald Super 6, Franklin more than lived up to the expectations. She averaged 17 points, three rebounds and two steals per game.

There was never a doubt in Pelham coach Antonia Tookes’ mind that Franklin would be able to step up and be a leader.

“She was one of our defensive players for the last three years,” Tookes said. “Offensively, when Briunna would score, Annie would score. They would kind of compete against each other. I was like ‘Wow, this kid can not only play defense, but she can score too.’ Me as a coach, I was like I can’t wait until next year to see how she will lead this team.”

Franklin, who will play at Fort Valley State, was also held in high regards by opposing coaches. She was voted as the Region 1-AA Player of the Year.

“She is a very strong-minded individual,” Tookes said. “When she sets her mind on doing something, she is pretty much going to do it. She is a good player and she goes hard for you.”

Franklin has played a huge role in Pelham’s recent success. As a junior, she averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game and helped her team make it to the state semifinals.

In addition to the individual accolades, Franklin leaves Pelham with three region titles and just 10 losses in her high school career.

As she looked back on her career, Franklin said she is happy she can look back at it and know she gave it her best in every game.

“I think my dedication made me so successful,” she said. ” I put my all in and I gave it all I had.”