Seven had 3 minutes to make the team, and the ball wasn’t in his hands.
The scoreboard flashed 50-52, not a single point belonged to Seven.
Two whipped the sweat from his eyebrows.
“That makes 40! You extras should join the track team!Two said.
“Two get over yourself! How bout passing?” A 1st year asked.
“Kobe would never!I will surpass him and become the greatest offensive scorer ever!”two said.
Seven stopped on the half court logo. Sweat slipped into eyes as he lifted his head up towards the burning red scoreboard. His chest heaved and his fist tightly clenched.”
“He’s right…Kobe would have scored plenty by now. ” “maybe it really is time to start getting realistic about my future.Don’t cry! This is reality, you already knew this …guys like two are just natural born athletes.” Seven said.
“Kobe! You bastards couldn’t guard me if I was sleep!” Two said.
The scoreboard was now 52-52.
For a moment time felt as if it froze.
“why are my legs still moving.”Seven said.
Then a voice.
“Be brave and courageous.” 2 minutes left!
“do not be afraid or discouraged.” “What am I doing?” seven said.
for the Lord your God will be with you.”
“Wherever you go!”
“If two is already our best scorer.” Seven said.
“Then…then”
The coach stood near the baseline. a pen and clipboard hitting the floor echoed throughout the gym.
“ I WILL BECOME OUR SHIELD! Seven said.
The inbound pass slapped against the opposing guard palms.
1 minute left!
The 3rd year grinned. Seven stood crouched at half court, his oversized jersey swaying around his narrow shoulders.
The ball slammed the ground as the 3rd year bursted towards seven.
“Come at me! “ Seven smacked the ground with both hands.
A lightning fast crossover came his way.
Seven slid left.
The 3rd year spun right, sneakers shrieking against the hardwood. Seven stumbled, one hand grazing the floor.
“you won’t get past me that easily!” seven said.
He sprung back upright just in time to cut the 3rd year off.
WHAM!
Seven skidded backward, shoes squealing, but his feet still planted.
The 3rd year grin vanished.
“this whimpy kid.” The 3rd year said.
He burst forward only this time in rage.
“You think some 1st year can stand on the same court as me!” the 3rd year said.
“He’s faster!” seven said.
Seven pulled back just before their knees collided.
Both bursting full speed towards the rim.
“He’s still keeping up with him?!” The coach said.
A teammate stood wide open near the scorer’s table, waving both arms.
“PASS IT!” A 3rd year said.
The 3rd year clenched his jaw. He lowered his shoulder and attacked again.
Seven slid into position, feet pounding the hardwood.
“COME AT ME!” Seven said.
The 3rd year spun around seven, euro past another defender and rose up for a layup.
The Gym stood silent.
20 seconds left!
A skinny arm shot across his path.
WHAM!
Blocked by seven!” the announcer said.
Seven grabbed the ball for the first time. “My Kobe moment, Don’t mess this up!” seven said Time!
“Huh.” seven said
“…This guy!” Said a 3rd year.
“What was that performance…? A 1st year said
“You felt it too right? These 1st years are nuts!” Another 3rd year said.
“Maybe you aren’t crappy after all!” two said
The coach approaches seven and two.
“Today the both of you showed that a brother is born through adversity. Kobe wasn’t just a offensive threat, but a defensive weapon also and you both displayed that.”The coach said.
“Congratulation’s! You’ve both made varsity!”
