Chapter 11

THE GIANT

The point. I’m defending the point, Derek said to himself as he walked onto the court. I hope I remember to stay there! he thought.

Derek looked at Jason in center court. I should be doing the tip-off, he thought sadly.

Then Derek saw the center from Allen. What a giant! The guy was at least five inches taller than Jason.

The ref threw the ball into the air and the game began. Derek watched as Jason jumped up. But the Giant was too tall for Jason. He slapped the ball away.

Yes, thought Derek. Jason didn’t do it.

Derek turned. The ball was coming right at him. He put up his hands and caught the ball.

The Giant ran toward him. Derek passed the ball to Cody, then he ran toward the basket.

“What are you doing here?” said Jason as Derek ran under the basket. “I’m playing center now.”

“Uh, sorry,” said Derek, and he moved back to the center of the lane.

“Pay attention!” said Jason.

Derek turned and Ryan passed him the ball. Derek jumped and shot the ball toward the basket. It went right in!

Two points, thought Derek. I scored the first two points of the game!

“Why didn’t you pass it to me?” said Jason, who was running to the other side of the court.

Why should I? thought Derek. You’re not the only player on our team.

Derek ran to the point and guarded his spot. He watched Jason run over to the low post. The Giant jumped up, and bam! Two points! Jason wasn’t tall enough to block him.

Cody took the ball out and everyone scrambled. Derek ran back into the key.

Jason ran past him.

“Can’t you do anything right?” said Jason. “This is my area now. Go out and get the ball.”

You bet I will, thought Derek. As he moved toward center court, Derek saw Ryan catch the ball. Ryan pivoted. He did a fake to the left and then threw the ball right to Derek!

Derek caught the ball. He turned and jumped. Off the ball flew. Bam! Right into the basket.

Yes! I did it again!

“Attaboy!” yelled Coach Taylor.

Jason came over with a scowl on his face. “I’m the center. Pass it to me.”