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Franklin Steps into Leadership Role on the Court

Shane Franklin took an unconventional route toward becoming a senior captain for the East Haven boys’ basketball team this winter. Shane didn’t even join the Yellowjackets until his junior year after having competed for the program at Notre Dame-West Haven in his freshman and sophomore seasons. However, Shane immediately fit in with the Easties and went on a rapid rise up the leadership ranks.

“Everyone was open and welcoming. It was nice to know I had a place here at East Haven,” says Shane. “Many of my teammates on the team I played with in Biddy, so it’s nice to reconnect with them and play together at a higher level.”

Shane learned a lot about the value of hard work as a result of playing for Notre Dame. Shane continued displaying that work ethic when he stepped foot on the court in East Haven.

“The program at Notre Dame was very competitive, and I was on the smaller side, so I had to work hard to get playing time. That had an impact on my work ethic for every offseason,” Shane says. “I didn’t play as much last year due to having the flu, but I didn’t let it stop my work ethic going into the offseason. This year, I worked hard to put myself at a level to lead by example on the court. I also focused on the chemistry of the team, calling guys over the summer to go hoop or lift.”

All of Shane’s hard work earned him a seat in the captain’s chair for the 2019-’20 campaign. Being selected as a captain was a huge honor for Shane, especially since this is just his second year with the Yellowjackets.

“It means a lot to me. It’s nice knowing that my leadership doesn’t go unnoticed, as well as my work ethic,” says Shane. “I enjoy being a captain, because I’m able to have an impact on the team in many different ways. It’s nice knowing I have an impact on the team.”

Head Coach Ricky Narracci says that Shane’s ability to stay positive has been invaluable for East Haven. Narracci was impressed with how Shane fostered chemistry among the Easties during the offseason.

“I constantly hear from teachers about how good of a kid Shane is, which is good, because we teach the kids to be good citizens. He does a great of that,” Coach Narracci says. “He’s a great leader in the offseason to get kids together for workouts, and he’s always positive. Shane is enthusiastic with his teammates and leads by example. When you’re having a tough start to the season like we are, it makes it easier with guys like him around.”

Shane plays both guard and forward as a starter for the Yellowjackets. Shane likes being able to slot in wherever the team needs him and feels happy that he’s getting more minutes than he did last season.

“My role last year was coming off the bench and giving guys a rest. It’s transitioned into a greater role this year, and I’m currently a starter, so it’s a bigger jump,” says Shane, who wants to be a physician’s assistant. “I just trust my work ethic. I need to lead by example more than last year.”

Although East Haven has seen some struggles early on, Shane wants the squad to make it as far as possible this year. No matter what, Shane looks forward to leading the Easties as they chase down a spot in states.

“I’d like to get better as the year goes on, and I would like to make it to states,” Shane says. “I’d like to be a better leader on the court, as well.”