It is a fictional story, but it was inspired by several real-life events and figures in Indiana high school basketball history. For example:
* The 1954 Milan High School team: The film's plot revolves around a small-town high school team overcoming adversity to win the state championship, mirroring the real-life story of Milan High School's 1954 state championship win.
* Coach "Tiny" Millis: The character of Coach Norman Dale is said to be inspired by legendary Indiana high school coach "Tiny" Millis.
However, the movie's story is not a direct retelling of any specific event but rather a fictionalized, and ultimately inspiring, dramatization of themes found in Indiana basketball history.