Chapter 2

PASSING GAME

The score was 25 to 14, and Renner was ahead. Coach Taylor had called a time-out, but he didn’t seem upset. He was talking to Cody about the next play.

Cody ran back onto the court. The ref handed Cody the ball. Cody took the ball out of bounds behind the basket.

Then he passed the ball to Garrett. Derek ran over to the key and turned around. He raised his hands into the air.

Garrett passed the ball to Ryan. Derek ran up to the low post by the basket.

Ryan passed the ball to Jason. Derek put his hands out, ready to catch the ball. Then a Renner guard stole the ball from Jason. Jason ran after him.

Derek ran to the other side of the court. I can’t let them score again! he thought quickly.

As he ran toward the basket, the Renner players passed the ball. It moved closer and closer to the basket.

I have to hurry, thought Derek. Their center is already in the low post, just outside the free throw lane. Derek ran toward the basket.

Just in time! One of the Renner forwards passed the ball to their center.

The center started to jump.

Derek jumped too. He waved his arms to block the shot.

Whap!

The ball flew back toward center court. Cody grabbed the ball and then passed it to Garrett.

I did it! It’s ours again, thought Derek happily. He headed back toward the other basket.

It was the Hornets’ turn to score. Garrett passed the ball to Ryan. Ryan dribbled toward the basket.

The Renner players surrounded Ryan, so he did a left fake. Then he passed the ball to Cody.

Cody was on the wing, but the Renner players were all over him.

Cody faked right and passed to Ryan on his left.

The Renner team ran toward Ryan.

Ryan pivoted and passed to Jason.

Derek waved his arms at Jason. Jason looked at Derek and shook his head.

I’m open, thought Derek. Jason can see that.

But Jason wouldn’t pass. He just jumped and shot.