From left to right, Dylan McSoley, Rusty Rogers, Robby Armstrong & Chazz Cowles in  Medora (Beachside Films)

High school basketball occupies a kingly place in Indiana; the film Hoosiers quickly comes to mind. No matter the size of the school or town, people are devoted to their local team. This documentary follows the Hornets of Medora during their losing 2011 season.

Once a prosperous town with factories and businesses, Medora is now a shadow of its former self. With a population of less than 700, employment opportunities are few. Abandoned buildings line the streets, dilapidated trailer homes scatter the countryside, and like in many rural communities, meth and alcohol abuse are major problems. The high school, with its 72 students, is a center of pride, though, and it sparks remembrances of what once was the glory and success of the entire community. Town citizens do not favor school consolidation, a frequent issue discussed by the Indiana state legislature. One Medora citizen comments that if the school closes the town dies.

This documentary of the everyday examines a host of issues including small-town life, economic and social issues facing 21st century families, and, of course, the Medora high school basketball team trying to win one game. Directors Davy Rothbart and Andrew Cohn follow the players’ lives both on and off the court.

Viewers will be impressed by the dedication of the team coach and his assistants who not only teach basketball skills but also continuously instill a positive outlook on life and encourage the team to break their losing streak—keep trying, no matter what happens. The players, who seem oblivious of the camera following them, discuss issues including alcoholic parents, homelessness, and their dreams of college and better lives. There is footage of their practices and their games, and of their parties and underage drinking. As a teacher, I was struck by the fact that never once were the players shown studying—what happened to the concept of student-athlete?

The film ends on an upbeat note and the seniors’ high school graduation. Another year for the Medora Hornets, another year for the struggling school and town, but the hope for a better future never dies, though the reality is more Hoop Dreams than the fairy-tale ending of Hoosiers.