"Sharp Eyes, Quick Hands, and Something to Prove"

Andrew Francisco

@Andrew_Fran5

6ft, Class of 2028

Parkersburg Catholic HS, WV

Andrew wants to be the guard his team can trust when a game gets tough. He handles the ball, sees passing lanes open, and looks for the play that gives his teammates the best chance to score. He brings energy when they need a lift and takes pride in guarding whoever lines up in front of him, for Andrew, leading starts with doing the work himself.

Last season, his team went 21-4, finished 10-0 in league play, and never lost at home. In 25 games, Andrew averaged 3.1 points, 3.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. His role called for him to do the little things and create shots for others. Early on, he was handing out more than 6 dimes per game, but opponents began playing for the pass because they didn't expect him to shoot. He saw what needed to change and went to work on becoming a stronger scoring threat.

The Regional Championship against Magnolia gave Andrew one of his favorite memories. His team started cold, but his defensive stops led to fast breaks that helped wake up the offense. He also helped hold Magnolia’s best player to single digits. When the final buzzer sounded, Andrew had a championship to celebrate with his teammates and a trip to the State Tournament ahead of them.

That run ended with a quarterfinal loss that still sticks with him. He remembers the hurt in the locker room, watching the other team celebrate, and seeing the seniors’ season come to an end. Andrew kept his head up and took it all in because he never wanted to be satisfied with getting close. When basketball gets hard, he goes back to the gym, and that loss gave him another reason to pick up the ball.

His biggest improvement since last season has been his confidence as a scorer. Andrew knew he could put the ball in the basket, but he had to trust himself enough to take the shot. This offseason, he broke down his shooting form, fixed the small details, and spent hours on the team shooting machine. He also worked on creating his own shot, knowing that a defender who has to respect his scoring will give him more ways to set up his teammates.

Andrew has put just as much time into tightening his handles, changing speeds, and staying in control against a press or late in a close game. His team lifts and conditions twice a week, and he adds work on his own to build his strength and endurance. He wants to lead the state in assists per game, finish with an assist-to-turnover ratio of at least 3 to1, and help his team win a state championship. Those goals demand more from him, and he is ready to give it.

Doubt fuels Andrew more than anything. He hears the people who overlook him and uses it as a reason to keep working. He does not need them to know his name today. He wants his game to make them remember it when it matters.

I assess that Andrew has a knack for spotting what a possession needs before it falls apart. He can give his team a calming presence in a hectic stretch, and his willingness to make an unselfish choice helps others play with confidence. That feel could make a real difference when games get tight.

Andrew has given himself a clear path to a larger role, and the coming season will show how boldly he takes it. As he stays decisive from the opening tip, he can make it harder for opponents to guess what comes next. His hunger to prove himself is clear, and now he has the chance to let his play speak for him. Stay tuned.