Well it was the last game of my short career.
At 12, the Church existed solely to determine which basketball team you were on.
I was on the Orem 5th ward team. We were, by reputation, the worst team. That was common knowledge outside the Stake as well. I personally never saw our team score higher than 20 points.
Well, there was one game. I got real tired of loosing. The coach wasn't very good either. He allowed his son and others, who couldn't even dribble, more game time than myself.
Not this time. I had selected my five starters. We practiced secretly for several weeks. Friday night before the big game, I called the coach and told him the game was somewhere else and at a different time.
The plan worked, and my men were ready. I had promised them victory and they believed they could do it.
Almost all hopes were shattered when the opposing team and their cheering section showed up. These guys were tall and undefeated. Except for the referee, we had no one from our ward to cheer us on.
We were like children to these giants. I had to prove to my team we could take these guys.
Of course I didn't get the jump ball, but I stole it and put up the first two points on the board.
''See, we can take these guys."
It was a grueling first half. I might have been ejected from the game if it wasn't Church ball. I had at least three technical fouls and four personal fouls against me.
We kept up a good 10 point lead for most of the game. My only flaw was l didn't have backup for my men. I planned to play the whole game, but I could see they were tired. Fortunately, Coach showed up. My men got some rest.
I was furious when I got swapped out. And swapped our for the Coach's son!
''I warned you not to take me out." I shouted and swore as I left the game.
It wasn't long after when I was called back and out of the rest room where I was washing up a bit. The game was over; surely even the Orem 5th ward couldn't lose a 10 point lead with minutes to go.
I was shocked to see that not only was the lead gone, but we were behind by 2.
The final battles left the score 31 to 30. I was fouled at the buzzer and had two shots to claim a victory or tie trying.
Why me, I thought. Why not Kevin or Jeremy? They are better at free throws than I.
I took the ball, and bounced it twice. I was disturbed with the utter silence.
Just like in the movies, the time lapse, slow motion kicked in.
The crowed erupted when the ball easily bounced off the rim and to the ground. One last shot for a tie. I bounced the ball in complete silence again.
The undefeated team stayed true to their title. I felt like a mouse and wanted to scurry away and hide.
I took one last look at the scoreboard. Half of those points were mine. The team was as awe struck as I was.
We walked home planning our next victory.
The team went on to the championship I understand, but I did not go with them.
Posted by Michael at March 18, 2004 05:35 AM