Cobras put squeeze on Patriots in KLAA cross-over clash
Canton’s Drew Putnam finishes a shot against Franklin’s Jeffery Little.
The first quarter of Thursday night’s KLAA cross-over game against Livonia Franklin must have unfolded just how Canton Head Coach Jordan Nobles “Drew” it up.
Fueled by 10 first-quarter points from Drew Putnam, the Cobras rolled to a 16-6 lead in the opening eight minutes before cruising to a 58-43 victory in a clash of fourth-place KLAA teams.
Canton improved to 13-8 while the Patriots slipped to 13-9.
The game was a warm-up, of sorts, for next week’s MHSAA Division 1 tournament. Canton will open post-season play Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Belleville against the winner of Monday’s Belleville-vs.-Ypsilanti Community game.
Post-season lurks
Franklin opens district play Monday at 7 p.m. against Churchill at Livonia Stevenson.
Putnam shined throughout the contest, racking up a game-high 20 points. He was 4-for-4 from the free-throw line and buried two triples in the opening quarter.
The winners’ star in the second quarter was Jake “The Snake” Newman, who scored all 10 of his points in the frame.
After Canton built a 12-point lead in the second half, the Patriots clawed back to within six, 42-36. Cobras senior LJ Jelks shifted the momentum back to the home team when he drained a long three from the left wing.
Jelks’ shot spurs late run
The Cobras sealed the deal by outscoring Franklin 13-6 after Jelks’ huge make.
Jelks finished with 11 points in a reserve role, while Liam Wilson scored nine.
Canton played without starting point guard Jaylen Tramble.
Franklin was led by Eric McCoy Jr., who netted 16 points. Dom Goines added 10 and Jeffery Little contributed eight.
Canton had lost its previous three games by a total of six points.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
