Avery Bell and Cedric Paul scored in double digits, lifting the Franklin Hornets to a 66-44 District 9-3A victory over the North Vermilion Patriots Friday at the FSHS Gym.

Franklin (11-13, 5-3) raced outfront by a 15-6 first quarter cushion. North Vermilion rallied behind a 16-8 second quarter flurry to trim Franklin’s lead to only one point at 23-22 at the half. Franklin reasserted itself in the second half, benefiting from a 43-22 point outburst on the way to the 66-44 triumph. Franklin enjoyed a 25-10 third quarter run before going on an 18-12 spurt earning the 66-44 victory.

Bell led the Hornets in scoring with 19 points on eight deuces and one trey. Paul finished with 15 points, making good on six floor shots and 3 of 5 freebies. Rounding out the scoring for the Hornets were: Micheal Poledore, 9; Brennan Robinson, 8; Jarion Brown, 7; Jamal Johnson, 4 and DaMarcus Bowie, 4.

Marlon Green and Mike Bessard poured in 10 points each to led North Vermilion.