There was a lot on Caden Sullivan’s plate entering this season after Franklin lost several key pieces from last year’s Division 1 runner-up team. But the Panthers star’s magical winter needed an early reality check.
Before the season began, Sullivan and Franklin head coach CJ Neely had a conversation. Neely wanted his senior guard to raise his leadership level. But Sullivan, admittedly, didn’t get off to a strong start in that department. He was putting up big scoring games, but not getting his teammates involved enough. After a few games, Neely pulled Sullivan aside in the locker room.
“He said, ‘If we’re going to go on a run, I’m going to need you to be a better leader and better teammate,’” Sullivan recalled. “I took that to heart.”
Then Sullivan took his game to the next level, and his teammates followed as he led Franklin on a historic run that led to the Panthers’ first state championship, making him a worthy choice as New England Basketball Journal’s inaugural MIAA Boys Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season.
