Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Samuel L. Jackson | ... | Coach Ken Carter | |
Rob Brown | ... | Kenyon Stone | |
Robert Ri'chard | ... | Damien Carter | |
Rick Gonzalez | ... | Timo Cruz | |
Nana Gbewonyo | ... | Junior Battle | |
Antwon Tanner | ... | Worm | |
Channing Tatum | ... | Jason Lyle | |
Ashanti | ... | Kyra | |
Texas Battle | ... | Maddux | |
Denise Dowse | ... | Principal Garrison | |
Debbi Morgan | ... | Tonya | |
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Mel Winkler | ... | Coach White |
Vincent Laresca | ... | Renny | |
Sidney Faison | ... | Ty Crane | |
Octavia Spencer | ... | Mrs. Battle |
In 1999, Ken Carter accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that demand respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades for players. Any initial resistance is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor. However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray with too many doing poorly in class, Carter takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. In the ensuing debate, Carter fights to keep his methods, determined to show the boys that they need good values for their futures and eventually finds he has affected them more profoundly than he ever expected. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
I can honestly relate to this movie. I am a female athlete and all through my high school years i've seen athletes get passed because they play sports. It's mostly the guys though. We have a coach that made every boy failing a subject get a tutor. This movie reminded me a lot of him. Not many coaches put their jobs on the line for the benefit of the kids. I agree with what he did 100% and i know lots of others do too. The movie shows perfect detail of how students act in schools and out of school. I went and saw it two nights in a row and each time, i saw different things about the movie. It's a great movie and I think all coaches and teachers should see it. It shows that most athletes are passed because they are athletes, not because they have the grades.