Basketball

My dad says I am a good athlete and thinks I should try basketball. So I joined a league and went to the gymnasium to meet with the team. Before we started practice, the coach gave us a speech. “To win a championship in this conference, we need to be elite. It isn’t all about the big offensive plays, like dunking and fancy footwork. It’s about the little things; free throws, rebounds, and tenacious defensive play. Depending on our season record, we’ll be placed in a bracket for a playoff tournament, facing elimination every game. And we don’t just want to win any old way, but with sportsmanship and class so that we wouldn’t need a referee. That’s all it is, fellas.  And if you’re good enough, you can go to a college or university.” Coach listed out our positions. “Gerard, you’ll be the point guard,” he said. I stepped up to the line and took a shot. Swoosh. In the hoop. I think I’m going to like this game.