Admirals ‘weather storm’ for historic win over Oak Ridge
On Friday night, the Farragut Admirals stormed back from a nine-point deficit to beat Oak Ridge 65-62 in the District 4-4A semifinals.
They unlocked a bit of history in the process while also shedding a 44-year weight, having beaten ORHS for the first time since the 1982 district finals, according to FHS Sports Information Director Jack Tate.
The comeback victory snapped a 13-game drought against the Wildcats and put Farragut into Tuesday’s district championship for the first time since 2022.
Because of press time on Tuesday, the results from the Ads’ district title matchup against Bearden will only be available online and social media.
Earlier in the week, though, FHS head coach J.P. Burris addressed his team’s historic performance against Oak Ridge.
“Another game where our guys weathered the storm,” he said. “We had a couple things go against us, like a ball that they said hit the top of the backboard and didn’t, then a walk call, too.”
“A lot of things that could have caused an avalanche when you’re down multiple possessions,” he summarized, “but our guys stayed calm and closed out the game on a big run.”
Dan Lanning led FHS with 20 points while Parker Lane totaled 15 as well.
“He was absolutely huge for us on Friday,” Burris said of Lanning. “Attacked the paint, made good decisions with the ball and really set the tone for us.”
Aidan Foshie recorded six points but delivered one of the biggest plays of the night to slam the door shut on Oak Ridge.
With FHS ahead by three late, Wildcats guard Eli Peters drove toward the basket. But Foshie leaped in to block the shot, preserving Farragut’s lead as the buzzer sounded.
“He’s a guy that hasn’t played any meaningful varsity minutes until this year and now he’s started every game except when he was injured,” Burris said of Foshie. “For him to come up with a block like that, it’s a testament to the adversity he’s overcome and his career here.
“He’s one of the best teammates we have, and we subbed him in for defense there. It’s a testament to who he is and how resilient he’s been.”
