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“Let’s circle up, Clifton United,” Coach Acevedo said at the beginning of practice the next day. “Time for a little speech.”
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“I’m usually not a big fan of talking at practices,” he said, once everyone had gathered under the hoop by the stage. “I much prefer practicing at practice. But before we get started today, I need about three minutes.” He waved the magazine he was holding. “Thanks to Tiki over here, I did some homework.”
Red’s hand shot up. “You’re not a big fan of homework, Coach Acevedo,” he said.
“No, I’m not, Red. But I am a big fan of learning on our own. We always need to be curious.”
“Be curious,” Red whispered.
“I read about that math strategy Tiki mentioned.”
“My old team’s strategy!” She held up her hands and pushed her hip out to the side. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” She bowed several times.
“I also watched that sports show Red mentioned.”
“Oh, yeah!” Red hopped.
“We’ve got some serious talent on this squad,” Coach Acevedo said, “but so do the teams we’ll be facing. In fact, some of our opponents are loaded. So after crunching some numbers, I’ve decided this unorthodox strategy just may give Clifton United our best shot at winning, and if you don’t know what unorthodox means, look it up when you get home.”
I was pretty sure I knew what unorthodox meant: unusual.
Coach Acevedo opened to the article. “This gentleman right here knew next to nothing about basketball.” He pointed to a photograph of a man wearing a suit. “But he understood mathematics. So he came up with a strategy based on the mathematics of basketball. And it worked.”
“It worked for my team, too,” Tiki said.
“You told us,” I muttered.
“Now, we’re not following his strategy step by step,” Coach Acevedo continued, “but we are going to use his approach as our model. We’re going to force turnovers, make layups, and run our opponents out of the gym. Like I said Monday, everyone on Clifton United will need to contribute this season.”
“I like the way that sounds!” Tiki shouted.
I like the way that sounds.
I grabbed the locks above my neck. That’s what I’d said on Monday. Exactly what I’d said.
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“Let’s get running.”