Mahon A Classy Captain for Franklin Hoop Squad

By KEN HAMWEY, Staff Sports Writer
Junior Captain Paul Mahon, of Franklin High’s Basketball team, exemplifies hard work, character and team spirit.
Issue Date: 
January, 2017
Article Body: 

Some may think that Franklin High basketball coach CJ Neely is overly effusive in describing junior captain Paul Mahon.
The Panthers’ coach, who directed his squad to the Sectional finals last year and a co-championship in the Kelly-Rex Division of the Hockomock League, is extremely bullish on his off-guard, calling him “a coach’s dream, one of the best defensive players in the league, the ultimate competitor and a good person, on and off the court.’’
Mahon, a 5-foot-10, 155-pound off-guard, is indeed special. He’s humble in his role as Franklin’s only captain, and he’s willing to learn what he doesn’t know. He’s also encouraging when teammates need an emotional lift, and he’s quick to offer assistance and friendship to the less fortunate.
Consider this situation — his best friend since early childhood is a Down syndrome youth, and Mahon often shoots jump shots with him in their back yards or in Franklin High’s gym. The 17-year-old Mahon also attends his friend’s Special Olympics events. “I always try to encourage him,’’ Mahon said.
Realizing that an assist on a basketball court is as valuable as a basket, Mahon is quick to help at Christmas, assisting his mother in wrapping and donating presents for needy families. And, he’s also volunteered at the Franklin Recreation Department’s youth basketball program.
On the court, Mahon is intense and aggressive in his desire to excel individually and to see his teammates experience success. “I love playing defense,’’ he emphasized. “Pressuring our opponents’ top scorers is a challenge and I like shutting down an offensive player.’’
What makes Mahon such a high quality defender are his instincts, quick hands and feet, his court sense and his high hoop IQ. “Paul played two games on the freshman team two years ago, moved up quickly to the jayvees and was on the varsity towards the end of his freshman year,’’ Neely noted. “He’s got great defensive intensity. His motor never stops, he’s unselfish, and he can score, too. He’s the heart and soul of our team.’’
Mahon is acutely aware that he’s not the most skilled player in the league, but he knows how to compensate. “Hard work can take you farther than just relying on skills,’’ he said. “The key is learning things, then applying them. Improving your weaknesses can be a big plus.’’
Mahon, who averaged 7.5 points a game as a sophomore, is striving to increase his offensive production but not at the expense of his team’s success. He also wants to limit his early foul trouble and be better at shooting threes. “My team goals are for us to improve day by day, win the Kelly-Rex Division and qualify for the tourney,’’ he said. “We want our seniors to finish their careers by having an enjoyable year. All these goals are realistic because we’ve got talented players and our team chemistry is good. In summer league play, our squad got to the finals and that was a good sign.’’
It’s early, but so far, Franklin is off to a good start, downing North Attleboro, 72-51, in its opener.
Lauding his coach and teammates is easy for Mahon, who says he learned to be a leader from Tim Prunier and Kevin Gill, two of last year’s stars who helped Franklin advance to the Sectional final where St. John’s of Shrewsbury was victorious.
“Coach Neely is a terrific motivator who sets high standards,’’ Mahon said. “He relates well to all the players. And, two teammates who should really help this year are Connor Peterson (6-5 junior center) and Jalen Samuels (6-3 sophomore forward). Connor is athletic and a solid rebounder and Jalen is a good shooter who’s always hustling.’’
Rating Mansfield, which shared the division title with Franklin last year, as the team that presents a big challenge for Franklin, Mahon is a top-notch communicator as the Panthers’ captain, leading by example and being encouraging when he gets vocal. “My philosophy is to compete hard and reach your potential,’’ he noted. “If you do those things, then winning will follow, and playing sports will be enjoyable.’’
An honor-roll student, Mahon isn’t sure what his college plans are, but he’s hoping to continue playing basketball, likely at a Division 3 school.
Injuries haven’t curtailed Mahon’s development, but he has recovered nicely from fracturing his wrists three times in the off-season.
“What’s important for us this season is to step up and fill the void of seven graduated seniors,’’ Mahon emphasized. “We’re young, but we’ll be in the mix for the division title and qualifying for the tourney. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced the playoffs. That’s positive, and by being in big games makes it a plus for me to help my teammates.’’
Paul Mahon is all about “team,’’ and he’s all about assisting when called upon. And, that includes places unrelated to basketball.

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