Meet 5 underclassmen (and ones to watch) who have stood out in Franklin County this season

With the postseason approaching, it’s time to recognize some unsung heroes for the teams in Franklin County this year.

There are plenty of freshmen and sophomores who are making their mark this season and have shown glimpses of the potential they have for future seasons.

Across the county, here are a few of the standout underclassmen:

JJ Kelly (12) scores a layup during Chambersburg's game against Northeastern at the Franklin County vs. Everyone Tip-Off Tournament on Friday, December 9, 2022
JJ Kelly (12) scores a layup during Chambersburg's game against Northeastern at the Franklin County vs. Everyone Tip-Off Tournament on Friday, December 9, 2022

JJ Kelly, Chambersburg basketball/indoor track

Don’t know if he would classify as an unsung hero because his potential was clear from last year as a freshman.

Last year he was a support piece for a team that made it to the state tournament, but now he’s taking on more of a leading role for the Trojans.

On his way out: Chambersburg AD Ron Coursey leaves behind legacy of bringing people together

Kelly is a threat to score 20-plus points every single night and is a force on the interior for Chambersburg.

He’s also pulling double-duty with indoor track, winning medals there, just adding to a resume that’s filling up.

Cole Trn, Shippensburg basketball

Cole Trn (1) dribbles the ball up during Shippensburg's game against Waynesboro on Tuesday, January 31, 2022
Cole Trn (1) dribbles the ball up during Shippensburg's game against Waynesboro on Tuesday, January 31, 2022

Last year, the Greyhounds’ advantage was their size, and they used that to their advantage. This year’s group is smaller, and jump shooting is a bigger key. Insert Cole Trn.

The freshman has been a jolt of energy for this team, as someone who could light it up from beyond the arc.

It’s a jump-shooting team now, and as the guard, Trn also leads the offense and facilitates, showing that he will be an important fixture of the Greyhounds for the next few years.

Greyhound turnaround: How Shippensburg is inching closer to a return to the postseason

Bree Paetow, Chambersburg basketball

There have been some growing pains for Chambersburg girls' basketball, but the performance of the freshman has to give the Trojans hope for the future.

Chambersburg's Bre Paetow (11) tries to make a move while being guarded by Spring Grove's Leah Kale (22) during a non-league basketball game on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in Jackson Township. The Rockets won, 57-45.
Chambersburg's Bre Paetow (11) tries to make a move while being guarded by Spring Grove's Leah Kale (22) during a non-league basketball game on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in Jackson Township. The Rockets won, 57-45.

Paetow has been consistent all season, providing quality shooting for the team. Her 16-point effort in a close win over CD East two weeks ago is an example of what she does for the Trojans and how important she’ll be going forward.

Nikki Davis, Waynesboro basketball

Davis was a key contributor for the Maidens last year as a freshman and has continued that this year.

Like Chambersburg, it hasn’t been the easiest year, but continued experience for players like Davis could be huge down the road.

She came up big with 12 points in a victory over Big Spring two weeks ago, showing what she can provide going forward.

Zach Sherman, Chambersburg wrestling

It’s been a really strong season for the Trojans to this point, and the performance of Sherman, a sophomore, has been a big part of that.

He went 22-14 last year as a freshman at 106, and currently sits at a 21-7 mark this year, with 13 of those wins coming on falls.

It’ll be interesting to see how far he can go in the postseason at 114 this time around.

Other underclassmen to watch

  • Jayden Rooney, Waynesboro wrestling

  • Colton Cornwell, Chambersburg basketball

  • Jaccob Stoner, Chambersburg wrestling

  • Shaina Overcash, Greencastle-Antrim basketball

  • Ayden Estep, Shippensburg wrestling

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Mid-Penn Conference: Underclassmen that stand out in Franklin County