Bales steps down after winning run as Franklin boys basketball coach

The 15-year coach had guided the Wildcats to a 57-12 record over the past three seasons

Franklin High School officials said that Brian Bales has stepped down as the school’s head boys basketball coach today.

School officials said the resignation was submitted Monday and Bales met with this players Monday afternoon.

“The last 15 years have been amazing for my family and me,” Bales said in a Twitter post. “With that being said, I have decided to step down as head boys basketball coach at Franklin High School. I am so thankful for the opportunity I was given.”

Bales could not be reached for comment for this story.

Bales has been Franklin’s head coach for the past 15 years. While he is stepping down as the basketball coach, he will continue as the high school’s athletic director.

Under Bales, Franklin made the regional final in 2015, falling one point short of the state final four. He marked his 200th career win as a coach against Monroe in December 2018. And Bales finished his run at Franklin on an extremely strong note, as the Wildcats went 19-5 this year, on the heels of 20-2 and 18-5 seasons, according to the Southwestern Buckeye League website.

Bales also h coached two players who recently had their numbers retired by the school.

  • Travis Lakins, class of 2013, who scored more than 1,000 points for the Wildcats. Lakins, played baseball at Ohio State and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Lakins is currently a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Luke Kennard, class of 2015, was Ohio’s Mr. Basketball in 2014 and 2015. He went on to play at Duke University and was drafted by the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers

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