Despite Funding Shortage, Greenbelt Basketball Champions Say Canada or Bust

The Greenbelt Lady Angels basketball team is headed to M3 Montreal Basketball Tournament on July 4, even though they don't have enough bus money to get them there, according to their coach.

"We're $4,000 short, but we've got another week to go," said Coach Herbert Allen, who has taken the three-time tournament champions to Canada every year since 2009.

His team may have the will to win the amateur competition, but they often face a money crunch.

Last year, team co-directors the Rev. Greg Carter of Greenbelt and Allen each put in $1,000 from their own pockets to make up the difference, according to Allen.

Short or not, Allen said he is not going to tell the girls they can't go. "God will help us; we'll make it through," he told Patch on Monday night.

Of the ten team members, some hail from Greenbelt, most are from Prince George's County, and all of them attend colleges, including and the University of the District of Columbia, according to Allen.

. It's a program that offers open gym time for women over 18-years old on Thursdays.

For 40 years Allen has been coaching athletes. Four years ago he decided to lend his skills to the first Lady Angels team and hasn't looked back. He not only coaches, he raises funds.

held a fundraiser for the Angels on June 15, raising $300 dollars for uniforms and an additional $75 in cash at the door, Allen said. Mayor Judith "J" Davis has also pledged to give a donation to the team, he added.

The Angels are accepting donations, which are tax deductible, Allen said. Patrons wishing to help the team make it to Canada, can contact Allen at 240-383-8732 or Carter at 202-345-1995 or at truegreg@comcast.net

Once they return from the tournament, Allen said his goal is to find a sponsor for the team. But for now with $4,000 and around 578 miles to go, he's facing an uphill bus ride to get 10 Angels to Montreal on Independence Day.