INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Two federal lawmakers representing Indiana are among those honoring the 60th anniversary of an Indianapolis high school's historic championship basketball team.

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly and U.S. Rep. André Carson addressed Congress on Thursday to recognize the 1955 Crispus Attucks High School basketball team, the first all-black athletic team to win a state championship in the United States.

During his speech, Donnelly said the team has continued to be a source of inspiration over the past six decades. Carson said the team's win was “a major step'' for black athletes nationwide.

Crispus Attucks was founded as a segregated school for black students in 1927. It wasn't allowed to play in the state basketball tournament until 1942.

The Flying Tigers won the state championship with a 97-74 victory on March 19, 1955.