It’s a perfect Knox finish for FMS boys

KNOXVILLE — Their Navy blue T-shirts, which were quickly distributed among overjoyed Farragut Middle School boys basketball players after a huge hard-earned win, featured one simple word to sum up the Admirals’ successful season.

“UNDEFEATED.”

“We were fortunate to become only the third team in school history to win both the league and tournament being undefeated (17-0),” FMS head coach Lynn Allen said after a dramatic 43-41 victory versus rival West Valley in the Knox County tourney title game at South-Doyle Middle Wednesday, Jan. 26. “Past FMS coaches Bobby Henry and Randy Swartzentruber both did it once in their legendary careers.”

Not surprisingly, the WVMS Wolves (No. 2 seed in the League’s Class AAA level) pushed the top-seed Ads (23-1 overall) to the limit.

Though trailing most of the game by single digits, Farragut rallied behind a game-high 31 points from eighth-grade standout guard Parker Lane.

“Parker Lane had an amazing game for us, but the most important plays were by Will Dickens, who had an amazing rebound and assist to Britton Lewis, as well as an huge rebound putback bucket,” Allen said about key plays late. “Then Parker had an amazing steal and lay-up to seal the win.

“The Lord has blessed us so much the past two seasons, and we are so grateful,” he added.

West Valley (22-5) was led by Justin Nordin (16 points), Wilson Luton (15) and Hunter Harris (10).