Thomas and Lynn Trivette of Yadkinville weren't able to go with their daughter, Paris, to the recent AAU 11-and-under girls Division II national championship tournament in New Haven, Connecticut.

But their hearts certainly followed her to New England.

"We waited patiently by the phone daily to hear the breaking news from Paris' grandmother (Gail Smith), who went in our place due to our work schedules," said Lynn, who works for the Town of Jonesville. "(She) would call during half time and also the last three minutes of the game, sometimes waiting until the clock buzzed for us to hear cheers of joy for another victory."

And there were plenty of cheers.

Paris Trivette played for the Surry Storm, which finished second overall in the annual event.

The Storm went undefeated (3-0) during its pool play games against teams from New York, Virginia and New Hampshire.

They lost their opening round game in bracket play to the Boston Showstoppers, but fought through the loser's bracket to earn a shot at playing for the title.

At that point, Thomas and Lynn could wait by the phone no longer.

Fulfilling a promise they made to their daughter, the couple set out for Connecticut at 9 p.m. on July 3 to catch the last game. Though Surry lost to the NBJ Stars from California, the journey was worth it.

"We drove round trip almost 1,400 miles and crossed eight states just to see a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our daughter," Lynn Trivette said.

Paris Trivette is the only player from Yadkin County on the team. She played recreation basketball in Yadkin County for four years before deciding to join the Storm, a Mount Airy-based program directed by Gerald Culler.

"The organization is well-known for its fundamental learning and team spirit," Lynn Trivette said. "She also likes her coaches (Keith Seivers is the head coach and David Barbour is the assistant) for the team morals they teach their girls."

Other players on the team included Lauren Thompson, Mikayla Seivers, Alex Atkins, Haley Thomas, Courtney Hegler, Kirsten Parries and Davi Barbour. The group likely will stay together for the 2008-09 season as well.

The Surry Storm's strong finish in a regional qualifier in Elkin and a state tournament in Greensboro earned them their spot in the national event in Connecticut. Families had to raise several thousand dollars in about six weeks to fund the trip.

"We would like to thank all the people that donated to make this trip happen," Lynn Trivette said.