Larkin to retain Carter, Lott as basketball coaches

Deryn Carter and Alphonso Lott have been rehired as basketball coaches at Larkin High School for the 2010-11 school year.

Carter, the boys basketball coach, and Lott, the girls coach, were both suspended for the remainder of the 2009-10 season on Feb. 19 for lacking proper coaching certification.

Because Larkin's athletic program was already under IHSA probation for using an ineligible girls basketball player during the 2009-10 season, the suspensions of Carter and Lott extended the probation period through Feb. 18, 2011.

"This year, obviously, we learned some valuable lessons," Larkin Principal Jon Tuin said. "But at the core I think coach Lott and coach Carter care passionately about their players in a way that extends beyond basketball. I think they're not afraid of hard work, and they expect that out of their players. I think that's the basis for wanting to rehire them."

The boys basketball team was forced to forfeit 7 victories and finished 1-26. Carter expects to complete his coaching certification in June. A 1998 graduate and the school's college readiness coordinator, he said he's glad to be returning for a second season.

"The administration has let me know from the beginning that it was their desire. And it was mine," Carter said of coming back. "It was just a matter of some red tape. I'm excited. I'm excited because this is where I want to be."

Lott completed his certification before the IHSA ruled, but the girls basketball team had to forfeit its lone victory and finished 0-26.

"I'm looking forward to building off what we had last season," Lott said. "Hopefully, with a working summer, we'll be able to show some improvement next year."