TURNERS FALLS — Behind its transition game, the Turners Falls boys basketball team was able to get out to a blistering start against Franklin Tech on Tuesday. 

The Thunder used their speed and athleticism to beat the Eagles up the court early, leading to open layups on the other end. That allowed Turners to take an early 13-2 lead, eight of those points coming from Jackson Cogswell.

That continued through the second quarter, with Turners’ lead ballooning to as much as 32-6 late in the period. The Thunder held steady the rest of the way to ultimately come away with a 55-35 Hampshire League North victory on the road.

“Our defense got our offense going,” Turners coach Gary Mullins said. “We got some easy hoops out of it and that really helped us. I was happy about that part of it. I thought Cam Burnett and Dylen Richardson did a lot of good things defensively for us.” 

Cogswell, who finished with a game-high 18 points, played a big role in Turners (6-11) extending its lead in the second quarter. 

Leading 15-5 after one, Richardson opened the second frame with a free throw and added a bucket after. Cogswell then got to the rim twice in transition, helping the Thunder build a 22-5 lead. 

Brody Hicks halted the run with a free throw for Franklin Tech (0-15) but Caden Williams-Senethavisouk knocked down a pair from the line, Burnett knocked down a jumper, Cogswell scored back-to-back baskets and Deven Sloan put in a basket and suddenly the Thunder held a 32-6 lead late in the second quarter. 

“We didn’t play badly,” Mullins said. “Jackson took the ball to the rim well. We rebounded well. That’s been an issue for us. There were some positives from this game.” 

Hicks scored six straight points for the Eagles to cut the lead to 34-12 at the half. 

Franklin Tech opened the second half on an 8-0 run with five points coming from Robert Belval but Turners closed the quarter strong to take a 48-30 lead after three quarters. 

Nolan Stafford and Belval scored to open the fourth that cut the deficit to 48-32 but that was as close as the Thunder let it get as they were able to close things out to get the victory. 

Alex Quezada had a big game for Turners with 12 points. Williams-Senethavisouk scored seven points, Burnett tallied six points and 11 rebounds while Richardson and Brody Girard each tallied five points in the win. 

Belval led the way with 11 points, Hicks scored seven points while Jack Gancarz, Tyler Lafountain, Dylan Cullen and Caleb Johnston each had three points for Franklin Tech.