"For it to work here, we need to have more support from the administration of schools," Mike Daniel said. "They need to give us some gym time ... and then work on making it a sanctioned sport for boys."

Meanwhile, club teams have to rely on the good will of community centers or local churches. Bendschneider said they hold most of their practices at a church house because it is the only consistent gym they can use.

The players of Club Utah don't feel like pioneers, and in fact, they just laugh when it's suggested. Instead, they just enjoy playing a sport they've grown up around on a stage that challenges them. And Club Utah, halfway through the tournament, has had the most success of any local team. It finished with a record of 5-8 and took several of those losses to three games.

"I love the competition," said Jake Daniel. Adds Chris Teuscher, "Yeah, that's the best part."

The coaches are enjoying the tournament as much as the players, in part because they know just how lucky they are to be participating in an event like this.

"This is awesome," Bendschneider said. "This is a lot of fun. Just for our boys to have this experience."

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com