My eyes focused on the whiteboard as Coach’s pen formed X’s and O’s on the squeaky white surface. He looked at me, trying to give me that boost of confidence for the end of this game.
“Alright guys listen up. Ryan has guarded their best player all game, it’s time we catch him off guard,” he said.
I answered with a head nod, because my mouth was paper.
A 6 foot 4 inch guy shouldn 't have any trouble guarding a guy 4 inches shorter than you, right? WRONG. I have been playing basketball since 5, and I’ve learned size is not always an advantage. If a guard is quicker than you, and has a reliable outside shot, then you have to worry about guarding the perimeter AND the drive to the hoop. Number 24, Mark Lewis, was exactly this problem.
Mark could …show more content…
I thought. I looked at Coach one more time, who signaled for me to relax. I tried to imagine what Mark’s move is going to be. Is he going to take it to the bucket or pop a shot right over me? I knew I had to stay on the ground and not fall for any fakes, or he would easily score. Mark stood right by my side, as we waited for the whistle to start play.
“I’m shooting this shit right over your head,” he mumbled.
I smiled. I love challenges. That’s what makes basketball fun. And it’s even better when playing your rivals.
He bounced the ball twice to get him near the top of the arc. The hardwood shook under my feet, even though the ball seemed to bounce softly on the shiny floor. It was actually just the packed gym that covered every other noise.
Every little thing felt so exaggerated right now. This is what I like. Crunch time.
Mark stared me down. He tried to get my eyes to meet his but he failed. I wasn’t going to lose him on some shifty move.
I could hear the roaring crowd meet Coach’s voice in my ears, blocking out any words he was trying to tell me. I was on my own. I had to stop this guy using my skills, my …show more content…
We made mistakes but we also played well throughout.” He looked around to make sure everyone was listening.
Coach was probably one of the nicest men I had ever met. He was understanding and always had a smile on his face. It represented his high level of optimism and he always tried to rub it on us.
“There is a difference between losing a game... and losing a game with your head held high. And today our heads should be up, because we did what we could. So Alex, don’t worry about that last play too much, it happens. There is nothing we can do about it, so let it go. Got it?”
“Yes coach.” I replied, even though I knew those final 4 seconds will be replaying in my head tonight.
“Alright guys that’s it from me. Practice 6 o’clock, see you guys tomorrow.”
As soon as we did a break, I walked slowly to my car. There was this itch inside of me to go back inside that gym and rewind those last seconds of the game. But at the same time, I just wanted to go home. The clouds were dark and there was a chill in the air. I chose the latter because Mom is probably alone; as Dad was always on business trips for reasons I never bothered asking.
When I got home, I explained the game ending to Mom, who was always my vent
“Alright guys listen up. Ryan has guarded their best player all game, it’s time we catch him off guard,” he said.
I answered with a head nod, because my mouth was paper.
A 6 foot 4 inch guy shouldn 't have any trouble guarding a guy 4 inches shorter than you, right? WRONG. I have been playing basketball since 5, and I’ve learned size is not always an advantage. If a guard is quicker than you, and has a reliable outside shot, then you have to worry about guarding the perimeter AND the drive to the hoop. Number 24, Mark Lewis, was exactly this problem.
Mark could …show more content…
I thought. I looked at Coach one more time, who signaled for me to relax. I tried to imagine what Mark’s move is going to be. Is he going to take it to the bucket or pop a shot right over me? I knew I had to stay on the ground and not fall for any fakes, or he would easily score. Mark stood right by my side, as we waited for the whistle to start play.
“I’m shooting this shit right over your head,” he mumbled.
I smiled. I love challenges. That’s what makes basketball fun. And it’s even better when playing your rivals.
He bounced the ball twice to get him near the top of the arc. The hardwood shook under my feet, even though the ball seemed to bounce softly on the shiny floor. It was actually just the packed gym that covered every other noise.
Every little thing felt so exaggerated right now. This is what I like. Crunch time.
Mark stared me down. He tried to get my eyes to meet his but he failed. I wasn’t going to lose him on some shifty move.
I could hear the roaring crowd meet Coach’s voice in my ears, blocking out any words he was trying to tell me. I was on my own. I had to stop this guy using my skills, my …show more content…
We made mistakes but we also played well throughout.” He looked around to make sure everyone was listening.
Coach was probably one of the nicest men I had ever met. He was understanding and always had a smile on his face. It represented his high level of optimism and he always tried to rub it on us.
“There is a difference between losing a game... and losing a game with your head held high. And today our heads should be up, because we did what we could. So Alex, don’t worry about that last play too much, it happens. There is nothing we can do about it, so let it go. Got it?”
“Yes coach.” I replied, even though I knew those final 4 seconds will be replaying in my head tonight.
“Alright guys that’s it from me. Practice 6 o’clock, see you guys tomorrow.”
As soon as we did a break, I walked slowly to my car. There was this itch inside of me to go back inside that gym and rewind those last seconds of the game. But at the same time, I just wanted to go home. The clouds were dark and there was a chill in the air. I chose the latter because Mom is probably alone; as Dad was always on business trips for reasons I never bothered asking.
When I got home, I explained the game ending to Mom, who was always my vent