Chapter 3

CATCHING UP

Derek looked at the scoreboard. Renner was beating Hampton, 37 to 35. They were catching up.

It was Renner’s turn to have the ball. One of the Renner guards threw the ball in. Derek turned around so he could see where the ball was going.

A quick pass. Derek ran closer to the basket. Another pass. The ball was at center court.

A third pass, and now the players from both teams were over by the basket. Derek watched as the Renner players passed the ball again.

The Renner player jumped and so did Derek. Derek waved his arms as he defended the basket. Whap! Derek hit the ball away. Garrett ran after the ball.

Derek ran past Garrett to the other basket. Ryan stopped at center court. He turned around to face Garrett. Garrett passed the ball to Ryan.

Derek raised his hands. No one is here but me, he thought. Ryan turned and looked at Derek. Ryan passed the ball to Derek.

Derek caught the ball. Then he turned and jumped.

The ball sailed through the air.

It hit the rim and dropped into the basket. Two points.

Now the score was tied at 37! Derek looked over at Coach Taylor. “Atta boy!” said Coach. Then Derek saw Jason. Jason was frowning. What’s the matter with him? Derek thought. Doesn’t Jason want us to win?