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Somerset Today
By the People, for the People
Franklin Girls Basketball Wins Sectional Championship
Warriors rally in fourth quarter to defeat Hillsborough, 52-41
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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The top-seeded Franklin girls basketball team overcame a nine-point deficit after three quarters to beat third-seeded Hillsborough, 52-41, and capture the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 championship on Thursday night. Franklin used a 22-2 run in the fourth quarter to erase Hillsborough's lead and claim their first sectional title since 2020.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant accomplishment for the Franklin girls basketball program, as they have now won a sectional championship for the first time in six years. The win also sets up a Group 4 semifinal matchup next week against the winner of the South Jersey, Group 4 final, with the victor advancing to the state championship game.
The details
Franklin found themselves trailing 39-30 heading into the fourth quarter, but they stormed back with a dominant 22-2 run to overtake Hillsborough and claim the sectional title. Senior guard Alissa Myers scored 12 of her career-high 20 points in the final period, including three 3-pointers to spark the rally. Aleah Sunkins added six of her 11 points in the fourth quarter, while sophomore Jamila McRiney finished with 10 points in the win.
- The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
- Franklin won their last sectional title in 2020.
The players
Alissa Myers
A senior guard for Franklin who scored a career-high 20 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback.
Aleah Sunkins
A Franklin player who scored six of her 11 points in the fourth quarter to help fuel the team's rally.
Jamila McRiney
A sophomore guard for Franklin who finished with 10 points in the championship win.
Franklin
The top-seeded girls basketball team that rallied from a nine-point deficit to beat Hillsborough and capture the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 title.
Hillsborough
The third-seeded team that led Franklin by nine points heading into the fourth quarter before ultimately falling, 52-41.
What’s next
Franklin will play the winner of the South Jersey, Group 4 final between Howell and Lenape in the overall NJSIAA Group 4 semifinal next Tuesday at Deptford High School. The winner of that game will advance to the state championship game the following weekend at Rutgers University.
The takeaway
This comeback victory showcases the resilience and determination of the Franklin girls basketball team, who refused to be deterred by a sizable fourth-quarter deficit. The win marks an important milestone for the program as they seek to capture their first state championship since 2020.
