DONIPHAN, Neb. – The population between the communities of Doniphan and Trumbull is about 1,000, and they’re sending their boy’s basketball team to state for the third consecutive year.

Ever since their district final win last Tuesday, the team says their small town community has reached out with tons of support.

"It's hard to walk into a business in town and not see somebody that's giving you a pat on the back, and telling you good job and good luck," said Head Coach Kelan Buhr. "That really means a lot to myself and the kids."

"Everywhere I go, it seems like people are telling me good game from the Fillmore (Central) game, and telling me good luck at state." said Senior Jake Collinson. 

With a 22-2 regular season record, the Cardinals only lost early in the season to Central City, and Omaha Concordia in the Holiday Hoops Classic where lead scorer Jack Poppe was limited with an injured ankle, but the Cardinals only lost by two points.

"Even though we lost, that shows us that we can play with anybody," said Sophomore Jack Poppe. "I think me being full strength will help us a little bit. So we definitely have a lot of confidence in ourselves heading into Lincoln, and we know that we can beat anybody.

The Cardinals have a bigger challenge in front of them as they moved up to Class C1 this year. Between the eight teams in the state tournament, they combine for just 25 losses, the least by far in any class. (Class A has the second least with 37)

"Everyone in C1 is a championship level team," said Senior Kaedan Detamore. "We got to focus one game at a time, and if we play our game, and if we can hit some shots, I think we'll be right where we want to be."

The starters are three seniors and two sophomores that have playing together ever since they can remember, and they're ready to flip the script after being a first round exit in the past two years at state.

"We have a lot of really great seniors on our team, and it really helps build great relationships on and off the court, and they're good friends too." said Sophomore Parker Volk.

"We just think of it as any team there right now can win it, and every game is going to be a challenge, and we're just ready to embrace it." said Senior Jaden Williams.

The Cardinals are the Seven-seed in the state tournament and will play the Two-seed and two time defending state champions Ashland-Greenwood on Thursday.