CHAPTER FIVE
TRYOUT TIME!
“Don’t worry about him,” Simone said, coming up to Nina. “He’s been growly ever since Liam moved last week.”
“Liam?” asked Nina.
“They were best friends,” said Simone, fixing her ponytail. “But Liam had to move for his mom’s work.”
Hmm, thought Nina, I definitely know what that feels like.
“I was thinking of trying out for the team,” Nina said, “but now I’m not so sure. I don’t want to spend the whole season with Cody glaring at me.”
“He’ll get over it,” said Simone. “And you should try out! I’ll come and cheer you on!”
At lunchtime on Friday, Nina headed to the gym. She sat on the bench, jiggling her legs. Molly and Laney sat beside her. Like them, she hoped to be the Marmots’ newest power forward.
Nina looked to the bleachers. Simone was on the sidelines. She waved and cheered.
Coach Popov blew his whistle. “Let’s go, everyone!”
He took them through a warm-up with laps. Next up were shooting drills. Nina missed a few of the rebound shots but nailed the three-pointers.
“Okay, folks,” said Coach Popov. “It’s scrimmage time.”
Nina partnered with Molly and Laney for a three-on-three. On the other team were Cody, Jack, and Ruis.
Molly and Cody faced each other at the half-court line. Nina and Laney took their places behind Molly. Jack and Ruis stood behind Cody.
Coach Popov stepped in between Molly and Cody. He blew his whistle and then tossed the ball into the air.
Both players leaped, and Cody swatted the jump ball to Ruis. As he dribbled toward the wing, Nina caught up to him. When Ruis tried to pass the ball back to Cody, Nina jumped up and caught it!
Spinning on her heel, Nina spotted Molly and passed to her. Molly dribbled the ball to the free-throw line and passed to Laney.
As Nina raced to an open position, Laney tossed her the ball. Nina caught it, took a shot, and—SWISH—it went in.
“Nothing but net!” cried Nina.
Cody caught the ball, ran toward the sidelines, and threw it to Jack. He dribbled to his net and took a shot from the three-point line. The ball bounced off the rim.
Nina snatched the rebound and tossed the ball to Laney. As Laney dribbled down the lane, Nina raced alongside. Jack matched her stride for stride.
“Pass to me!” Nina cried.
Cody blocked Laney and waved his arms. But Laney leaned to one side and squeaked a bounce pass to Nina.
As Jack closed in to guard, Nina dribbled once and then faked a pass back to Laney. While Jack moved to block the pass, Nina took the jump shot.
The ball arced high in the air and sailed through the hoop. SWISH! Three points for her team!
By the end of the tryout, Nina was totally exhausted but happy.
Even if I don’t make the team, it was super cool to be part of a group, she thought.
“Thanks, everyone. I have a tough decision to make,” said Coach Popov. “But I’ll post the name of the new team member on my office door by the end of the day.”
The rest of the afternoon felt like a slow-motion blur for Nina. All she wanted was to get to Coach’s office.
As soon as the bell rang, Simone looked at Nina. “Let’s go!”
They zipped down the hall. When they reached the coach’s office, Nina spotted a folded piece of paper taped to the door. She unfolded it and read the name printed inside.
NINA JEFFERSON
She’d made the team!
“You did it!” Simone whooped, hugging Nina. “You’re the new power forward!”
Nina danced in celebration. This year was looking up!
Just then, she spotted Cody walking by. He glared at her and kept walking. Nina’s delight changed to worry. How would she survive the season with a teammate who didn’t want her to be part of the team?