🌟 Early Roots & Passion for the Game
Lenny Hatchett’s basketball story is rooted in Oklahoma — built on discipline, vision, and a deep love for the game. Known for his ability to build winners and shape young men into leaders, Hatc🌟 Early Life & Foundation
Varryl “Chop” Franklin grew up on the east side of Oklahoma City, in a community that valued hard work, accountability, and loyalty. Those same values would become the backbone of his coaching career. A gifted athlete himself, Franklin first made his mark as a football player before turning fully toward basketball — the game that would define his legacy.
🏫 Building a Powerhouse — Millwood High School
Franklin began his coaching journey at Millwood High School in the early 1970s. Over the next four decades, he transformed the program into one of the most dominant forces in Oklahoma high school basketball history.
- Tenure: 45+ years as head coach of the Millwood Falcons.
- Championship Runs: 13 State Titles (boys basketball) across multiple eras.
- Historic Impact: His name became synonymous with Millwood basketball excellence.
His teams were known for their discipline, toughness, and ability to play with an edge. Franklin’s blueprint for success didn’t rely on flashy plays — it was built on fundamentals, defense, and relentless work ethic.
🏆 Legendary Coaching Record
- 13 State Championships (the winningest boys basketball coach in Oklahoma history).
- Over 600 career wins, spanning five decades.
- Numerous state tournament appearances and deep playoff runs.
- Developed some of the most talented players in Oklahoma history, many of whom went on to star at the collegiate and professional levels.
What made Franklin’s run special was not just the titles — it was the consistency of winning across generations.
🧠 Coaching Philosophy & Culture
Chop Franklin’s program became a standard of excellence in Oklahoma because of the culture he built:
- Discipline First: He demanded accountability on and off the court.
- Toughness: His teams were always physical, defensive-minded, and mentally strong.
- Loyalty to the Community: Millwood wasn’t just where he coached — it was home.
For decades, players and families trusted Chop to not just make athletes better — but to help shape young men for life beyond basketball.
🏅 Legacy & Recognition
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest high school coaches in Oklahoma history.
- Known affectionately statewide as “Chop.”
- His leadership helped define Oklahoma City’s east side basketball culture.
- His coaching tree includes dozens of former players who went on to coach, mentor, or lead in their own right.
- Honored and celebrated throughout the state for both his championships and the lives he impacted.
👑 Why He’s a Legend
Varryl “Chop” Franklin isn’t just a name — he’s a standard.
- 45+ years of leadership.
- 13 gold balls raised.
- Generations of players molded under his watch.
His story is more than wins and banners. It’s about community, legacy, and the power of a coach who believed in discipline, heart, and family.
Chop Franklin — Architect of a Dynasty. Keeper of the Culture. Certified Oklahoma Legend.hett has become one of the most respected high school coaches in the state.
