Small Schools Celebrate March Madness Experience

There's something about a small school going all the way. Stores close up shop and school gets cancelled. Everyone puts their full support behind their hometown team.

Cheerleader for Nokomis High School, Morgan DeLuka said, "Everybody's here! I'm pretty sure the whole town is here."

Fan of Illini Central High School, Rikie Kalhammer said, "We all hang out the windows after we win a game, and the fire trucks are going around, it's just small town community. everybody's out there."

Class 1A teams Illini Central and Nokomis are battling for a spot in the championship game. Parents said it's a dream for many of their boys.

Parent John Bradshaw said, "Since they were playing bitty ball, I mean these kids have been playing ball. Lots of summer trips, lots of basketball."

Parent Ed Chausse said, "Oh it's very exciting, very exciting."

Nokomis fan Allie Clavin said, "The seniors now they played them in state in 7th grade and they beat us so this should be revenge!"

Win or lose, for the fans, the parents and the players, they're just glad to be a part of it.

Parent Missy McClure said, "I just want this to be something they'll remember for the rest of their lives. I know their making memories on the court and off so it's just been a blessing to watch."