25 - "Hoosiers" (1986)

     Up until a controversial ruling in 1997, Indiana was one of the few states that allowed all boys high school basketball teams to compete for the same state title, regardless of school classification. This allowed for small schools to dream big of knocking off the big boys. Usually the small schools would make it past a round or two, but eventually fall out. But in 1954, Milan High School, with an enrollment of only 161 students, pulled off the impossible and won the state championship. Hoosiers is based on that teams story and is one of the most inspirational movies ever put on film. Gene Hackman stars as Coach Norman Dale, a man with a checkered past who is being given another chance to coach. He brings a no-nonsense approach to a group of boys who are undisciplined. His unique ways rub the players, and the local townspeople, wrong at first but as the players start buying into his system they begin to put together a winning streak. Things pick up when a local boy with a sweet shot, but a broken home, decides to start playing. From there, Hickory (the school name was changed for the movie) makes a run to the playoffs and a place in the record books. Dennis Hopper was nominated for a Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a local drunk who has a great mind for the game and helps the team out on its quest. Hoosiers is a terrific film and should not be missed by anybody. It's the ultimate example of how perseverance and teamwork can overcome all obstacles.