U17 Excellence National Finals – a story of the South, courage, and pride
Fortitudo Basket Francavilla has written history again. For the second year in a row, we are among the best youth teams in Italy. This is not luck. It is the result of a strong path made of work, sacrifice, vision, and real passion.
This group never gave up, even when the obstacles were hard. They brought the name of Puglia and Southern Italy to a top national stage.
The journey: real games, strong emotions, and painful injuries
Our adventure at the U17 Excellence National Finals – C. Monti Trophy started in Chiusi. We were the only team from Puglia and from the South of Italy on the most important youth basketball stage.
From the first day, it was clear: we had to fight against the best clubs in Italy, with bigger resources and stronger structures.
The first game was against Trieste. It was a tough and close match, but Trieste won 85–93. We did not step back. We were ready to react.
On the second day, we played Reggio Emilia. We were very close to something special. We lost only 87–89 against one of the title favourites. We also felt we lost the chance for the last shot because of a referee decision.
Yes, there was anger. But there was also pride, because we competed at the same level as a team fighting for the national title.
The third game was in Alghero. We won 82–66. We earned our comeback and we qualified for the playoff game. But the cost was very high.
During the match, Enrico Cito (born 2008), a key player in the paint and a leader for the group, suffered a serious injury: a stable pelvic fracture. His tournament ended there, and it was a very hard blow for the whole team. This came on top of another big absence: Maklakov, out since January.
Still, nobody stopped. We moved forward, together.
Win or go home: respect to the Eagles
The draw was tough. We faced Grantorino, a top team, second only to Virtus Bologna.
Fortitudo, hit by injuries but full of heart, tried to fight. This time it was not enough. The final score was 73–93.
The run ended there, but the value of what we built did not.
A clear message: South, sacrifice, and pride
The court says we are among the 12 best teams in Italy. But the real value of this achievement is more than numbers.
We brought our city, Puglia, and Southern Italy to the highest youth level. We fought against clubs with much bigger budgets, history, and resources. And we reached two National Finals in two years — something that not long ago felt impossible here.
Yes, we regret we never played at full strength. The injuries to Maklakov and Enrico Cito took away two key players. But there is no space for excuses. We gave everything, until the last buzzer.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible
Behind this journey there are many people, both in the background and in the spotlight:
- Youth sector manager Davide Olive
- GM Bruno Zuppetta
- Head coach Gianluca Caramia, who guided the team in every storm
- All the staff, and the Kinesia center led by Dr. Antonio Camassa
- And most of all, the 13 boys who wore and honoured the jersey:
Alex, Rems, Andrea, Filippo, Enzo, Nicolò, Lev, Artem, Enrico (2008), Salvatore, Arseni, Enrico, Luca.
A special thank you to everyone who followed us, supported us, cheered for us, and even criticised us. This dream belongs to all of us.
Eagles forever
The story continues. The dream of this year ends here, but Fortitudo does not stop. We are ready to try again, stronger and more aware than before.
Because nobody gives you the pride of being among the best. You earn it. And once again, we did.
Go Fortitudo Francavilla. Go South. Go Eagles!
