Fouled Out

I remember it was a cold and foggy November night when Landmark had a basketball game against Humanities High school, Both teams were undefeated, this game was a rivalry that both teams looked forward to for weeks. We were battling for the first seed in our division.

As the Landmark team approached Basketball City, I began to see fear in the eyes of the team. My heart was beating nervously as if I was thousands of feet in the air. But as I began to put on my shiny blue jersey which I wore the number of the best of the best, and the greatest of all greats, which happens to be “23”. Whenever I wear M.J.’s number I feel I have to live up to the potential.

“It’s too late to turn back now.” Said my teammate Geriald.

“Yea, yea whatever.” I said as I laced my sneakers and approached my team’s huttle.

“We are coming out on a 21 press Reggie you're chasing the ball,” said my coach Siu.

“On the count of 3 defense. 1-2-3 defense.” The team said at a high-pitched voice along with Siu.

As I walked on the basketball court to prepare for my jump ball, I felt as if I was a mouse inside a tank full of sneaks. As the ball went up they got the tip off, now I found myself on defense. “Swish,” was the sound that pearced my ears on defense.
We were playing a good game but we always found ourselves trailing. So as 3 quarters went pass, I am in complete silence trying to find a way to get the team back into the game but then I realized the only way was for me to take total control of the whole game.

So I started the 4th-quarter shooting 2 free throws, which I made both of. I seen it in my team’s eyes how much they wanted to win this game, I asked my team,

“Do you all trust me to takeover the game.” They responded to me.

“As long as we win,” said Kirk in a silent worn out tone as if he lost someone that he loved.

“The game is not over until it’s over.” I said and walked onto the court.

So now I see myself scoring four 3 pointers, but then I was fouled out with 33 seconds left in the game. We lost by 5 points, but I ended the game with 23 points and 8 assists. Sometime I wonder how I did that? I guest I had an angel guarding me, or it can be the # 23 magic. I mean I did score 23 points.

“ Yo Reggie you put on a good game even thought we lost, you still gave a winning effort.” Said Gerald with his horsed warned out voice from yelling.

“Yea, I guess I did play a good game, but it don’t matter because we lost.” I said.

“Regg don’t hold yourself down because of one loss because losing is part of the game.” Said Gerald

“Yo Reggie lets go before the team gets on the train and leaves us.” Said Gerald. The both of us hobbled to the train with our worn out legs. Swish! Off the trains goes with the Landmark Legends.

By: Reggie