Chapter 10

HAMPTON VS. ALLEN

The next week, as he walked into the gym, Derek thought, Here we go. My first game this season as forward, now that Jason got his way.

“Hi, Derek,” said Coach Taylor. “Have you been practicing your free throws? Remembering to bend your knees?”

“Yeah,” said Derek. “See?” Derek picked up a ball and went over to the free throw line.

He lifted the ball, bent his knees, and shot carefully.

The ball sailed right into the basket.

“That looks great!” said Coach Taylor.

“Thanks,” said Derek.

He turned around and saw Jason walk in with Ryan.

“The Hornet’s center has arrived,” said Jason. He lifted his arms and looked at the bleachers as if he were a rock star.

The Hornet’s center was already here, thought Derek. Just you wait, Jason. I’ll get my position back.

“Time to warm up, boys,” said Coach.

The Hornets did drills as the team from Allen arrived.

“That was a good warm-up, boys,” said Coach Taylor. “Now come over here so we can talk about defense.”

Derek walked back to the Hornets bench. Jason shot one more basket before he came over.

Show-off, thought Derek.

“I’m glad you could join us,” said Coach Taylor as Jason joined the huddle.

“Sure,” said Jason.

“Let’s get down to business,” said Coach Taylor. He showed them his clipboard. “I want to try the one-two-two defense this week. Derek, you defend the point.” Derek nodded.

“Guards, you two stay close to the basket.”

“Yes, sir,” said Cody.

“Sure thing,” said Garrett.

“Jason and Ryan, I want you two in the low post. If all the other defenses fail, it’s your job to keep the other team from scoring.”

“Okay,” said Ryan. Jason nodded.

Coach Taylor turned around. “We’re ready for the tip-off. Jason, you’re playing center, so it’s up to you.”

“I can handle it,” said Jason, “unlike some people we know,” he added.

“What was that?” said Coach Taylor.

“I’m ready to start,” said Jason.

Great, thought Derek. Go Hornets.