Risen Savior Lutheran School basketball team in North Mankato is making their first appearance at Nationals.
Tomorrow the players are traveling to Valparaiso, Indiana to compete against 32 other teams.
Bells were signaling for Lent Mass in the same place where church goers praise God, these young athletes from Risen Savior Lutheran School, practice in the church's gym.
Coach Nathaniel Persons says, "We play against bigger schools, we play against public schools. In our regular season we only lost one game out of 25 games so they have come a long ways."
With only 68 students enrolled at the school the entire team is made up of seven players.
Dunwa Omot says, "Most are 7th and 8th graders and I'm in 5th grade since I'm the shortest, I'm the point guard."
And their starting line-up also includes Cham Omot.
Cham Omot says, "God has blessed us with great team work so we work together just fine. They don't treat me any differently because I'm a girl. Other teams we play might be surprised but to me it doesn't make a difference."
Over the course of the season they needed to work on their endurance. And with only two subs they were able to take advantage of other teams underestimating their capabilities and come out with a win.
Demani Hayes says, "We have a great coach. We have the right pieces... they all fit together and we practice a lot."
Goanar Mar says, "We just play really well together and do whatever the coach says and get it done."
They said they are proud of this already historic season and whatever the outcome at nationals, they're victory is making it this far.
Cham Omot says, "I'm sure we're going to play our best, but win or lose we will still give glory to GOD and be happy with it."
