Boys Basketball

2004-05 Boys Basketball Team
Boys Basketball Team

FRA Boys Basketball
2006-2007 Recap

The Boys Basketball Team competed extremely hard against a very difficult schedule in 2007. They got off to a fast start, and by Christmas the team had an impressive 11-1 record with quality wins over Goodpasture, DCA, MLK, Lawrence County, and Summertown. After Christmas break, the team was able to post a very respectable 6-7 record, bringing the overall record for the season to 17-8. The 2006-2007 Panthers were a team marked by hustle and grit. As Coach Pierce said, “I am extremely proud of this team for their dedication and effort put into each and every game and practice. The success of a team is based on how they grew throughout the season. We had great opportunities for growth in how to deal with success, failure, disappointment, and joy this season.”

2007-2008 Season Preview

The 2007-2008 Boys Basketball Team will be a team marked by solid leadership from the eight seniors on the roster. These seniors have been playing together for many years which should allow for chemistry that will make them a tough bunch to handle for opposing teams. Coach Pierce says, “I really am looking forward to working with this particular team. They seem to really care about each other which is an intangible that usually adds to the success of a team. I feel that this team will genuinely play for each other and try to build each other up.” The Panthers Boys Basketball Team will be a team that is marked by aggressiveness on defense as well as offense. Coach Pierce says, “We want the opposing team to be uncomfortable, while we are in good shape.”

FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY NAMES JOHN PIERCE
HEAD VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

Franklin Road Academy is pleased to announce that after completing a search process, John Pierce has accepted the position as head boys basketball coach, effective immediately. Coach Pierce has been coaching and teaching at FRA since 2003.

After graduating from FRA in 1989, John Pierce attended David Lipscomb University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned 4 – time NAIA All American recognition and was twice named the NAIA National Basketball Player of the Year while at Lipscomb. Last fall, he was inducted into the Lipscomb University Hall of Fame and his number (#50) was retired. Pierce is a member of the NAIA National Hall of Fame and the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history ahead of every NCAA and NAIA player. Pierce played five years as a professional basketball player, three in Australia and two in Japan.

Pierce began his teaching career at Brentwood Academy (1999 – 2003) where he coached middle school basketball and junior varsity basketball as well as assisting with the varsity program. John Pierce came to FRA in 2003 where he teaches Religious Studies classes in the Upper School. He has coached the junior varsity team as well as serving as assistant coach for the varsity program. In 2003 – 2004 the FRA boys basketball team won the Sectional Championship and finished in the Elite Eight at the state tournament.

Coach Pierce:
"I have spent a large part of my career coaching and teaching not just the game of basketball, but also character and moral strength. I have been blessed with coaches and colleagues who have influenced me as a student and helped shape me as a coach. Outstanding men such as Don Meyer, Mike Roller, Glenn Tackett, George Pitts, and Robert Butler have all been wonderful teachers. As a graduate of FRA, I have an understanding of the culture and tradition of the school and a desire to see the program attain its highest potential. I look forward to this opportunity to help mold the lives of young men."

FRA Athletic Director Gary Clarke:
"Coach Pierce has already demonstrated his abilities as an outstanding member of the FRA teaching and coaching staff. In his role as head coach he will continue the proud tradition of his predecessor, Coach Glenn Tackett, while bringing his own unique style and talents to the program. He is a great role model for young players, not only because of his incomparable collegiate and professional basketball career, but also because of his desire to mentor and influence young people’s lives in a meaningful and positive way."

Head Coach: John Pierce

Assistant Coach: Josh Flegel

Game-winning shot vs. Ezell Harding, Jan. 2006: Windows Media