By Joey Gelman
The Farragut Admirals proved they belonged as a top team in the state, even if their record on paper didn’t reflect the incredible team on and off the court that they had this past season.
“A lot of people didn’t think we’d make it this far,” said Admirals head coach Emmanuel Little. “ A lot of people doubted us, it was never about the record, this was a great run. Just to be back was a blessing. I’m so excited about these boys on the court and in the classroom.”
Farragut played Quincy Notre Dame in the semifinal, which was 32-1, and Tolono Unity in the third-place game, which was 34-3. The Admirals, for context, finished the year 13-16, totaling 47 wins total over the last four seasons. But as the coach said, ‘ it was never about the record’ and despite their record, they proved their doubters wrong and made the city and District proud at the state level.
Farragut took home a fourth-place finish in the IHSA State Tournament in Class 2A for basketball, marking its first trip to the state final four in over 25 years, back in 2004, when Little was a player.
While the school has had a storied history in basketball, with legendary coach William ‘Wolf’ Nelson, Kevin Garnett, Ronnie Fields and more, the last few seasons for the school on the West Side have been difficult. With lower enrollment and four straight double-digit loss seasons, it has been a trying road for the players and the community.
After Little ended his professional playing career, he came back home to coach alongside his former coach Nelson, in an effort to rebuild the program before taking over as head coach. During this time, they’ve never left the Red West Division during Little’s tenure, playing against the top talent in the District night in and night out, as they rebuilt and re-tooled. And while this year’s team totaled 13 wins, it didn’t matter, as it was one of the last two CPS teams standing (Marshall 1A State Champions) out of over 100 that participated District-wide when it came to March.
“This is just a big turnaround, and it’s an emotional thing,” said Little. “They worked really hard, smart kids, I love these guys. Coming from the West Side of Chicago, it’s beautiful. We’re just getting better and better.”
While having a small rotation due to injury, Farragut still matched up well in both ITS semifinal and third-place games. And behind a passionate Admirals crowd courtside, despite the loss, they made their community proud.
Senior guard Latrell Kelley led the way, scoring 21 points in the semifinal and 28 points in the third-place game.
“ A lot of people didn’t think we’d make it this far,” said Kelley. “We had a tough road to get here, so I take a lot of pride in that. When we got to the playoffs, we clicked. We made it here. I’m just grateful to get a chance to step on the court and get a chance to play here.”
Kelley was proud to bring back pride to the West Side, saying they were able to “bring the energy back.”
Throughout the postgame interviews, the emotions and tears were flowing from Little, as this trip was more than just a culmination of this season, but a testament to the hard work and adversity that got them here over the past few seasons.
Little has worked diligently to rebuild a program and identity for his students alongside his mentor, Nelson, where he can help set them up for success on the court and in the classroom.
“I tell my players, I’m going to lead you as far as I can, but when we get to the court, I’m going to stop and sit in the stands; it is your time to shine.”
And according to Little, every one of his players over the last three seasons has gone on to college and that is the same plan for this year’s group of seniors.
While the team didn’t ultimately come home with the first-place trophy, it was definitely a season to remember at Farragut. And while the path to success was not linear, this veteran group has laid the foundation alongside their coach for a bright future for the program for years to come.
Photos by Joseph Gelman/OSA
Third-Place game vs. Tolono Unity
Semifinal vs. Quincy Notre Dame
