The Heart of the Game 2006

The film commences two years prior to Darnellia Russell’s arrival at Roosevelt High School, an institution that boasts a predominantly white and affluent student body. Bill Resler, a tax law professor at the University of Washington, assumes the role of girls’ basketball coach, bringing with him an unconventional coaching style that draws inspiration from the animal kingdom and the natural world. Despite his confidence in his team’s ability to capture the coveted Washington State championship, they ultimately fall short in their inaugural state tournament match.

Fast forward two years, and Russell has become a member of Roosevelt High School’s junior-varsity basketball squad, her raw talent evident even at this early stage. Recognizing her immense potential, Resler recruits her for the varsity team, marking the beginning of a journey that would see the talented Roosevelt squad consistently fall just short of achieving their goal of winning the state championship. As Russell’s skills continue to blossom, she attracts the attention of several major universities, with letters of interest pouring in following her junior year.

However, a series of unforeseen events disrupts Russell’s trajectory. She becomes pregnant by her long-time partner and, as a result, drops out of school. Following the birth of her daughter, Russell returns to Roosevelt High School for her fifth year, only to discover that the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) has banned her from participating in basketball due to a rule that restricts high school students to playing on their teams for no more than four years, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. Undeterred, Russell appeals the decision, enlisting the services of attorney Ken Luce, based in Tacoma, Washington.

The initial appeal proves successful, with a judge ruling in Russell’s favor and granting her permission to continue playing basketball. However, the WIAA refuses to accept this outcome, opting instead to take the matter to court for a second time. On both occasions, the judge delivers a verdict in Russell’s favor, permitting her to remain on the team. In defiance of the WIAA’s ruling, the Roughriders continue to compete with Russell as a key member of their roster.

As Russell and her teammates return to the Washington State high school basketball championship tournament, they face off against their arch-rivals, the Garfield Bulldogs, in the finals. Under her leadership, the Roughriders secure their first state championship title. Just two days later, the WIAA drops its case, bringing an end to the controversy surrounding Russell’s participation.

Upon graduating from high school with honors, Russell is awarded the coveted title of Northwest Player of the Year. Despite not securing any college scholarships, she chooses to attend North Seattle Community College, marking the beginning of her next chapter.