CHICAGO — A jubilant locker room celebration unfolded, marking a historic moment more than a century in the making.

The Lincoln Park High School Lions basketball team has made it to the Chicago Public League Championship game for the first time since 1904, a milestone that has electrified the school and community.

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“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” expressed senior Jaylon Dickerson. “All we have to do now is finish the job.”

Head coach Josh Anderson shared the excitement, saying, “It’s an amazing feeling, inspiring these boys. It’s uplifting the community.”

Anderson, who took the helm of the basketball program three years ago, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success. His efforts began with a group of sophomores who have matured into the senior leaders driving the Lions to this historic achievement.

“He taught us a lot of patience,” said senior Ahmad Lee, reflecting on Anderson’s influence. “Going through his plays, I felt like it bettered us as a team.”

“We’ve been teammates for four years, so like, the bond is really deep. We should know everybody’s ups and downs and how everybody plays,” said Lions senior Larry Harris.

“They gelled immediately,” Anderson said. “That matters when you’re trying to win a city or a state championship.”

For a program that has not reached this stage in more than a century, Friday night’s game is about more than just basketball; it’s about leaving a legacy.

“It means a lot. I want to do something. I finally got that chance. I’m finally in those shoes, and I’ve got one thing to do,” Dickerson said.

“They want to go out with a bang,” Anderson said.