Chapter 38

I grabbed the tip-off, drove to the basket, and went in for the layup. I heard someone behind me, and as I planted my foot, the ball flew out of my hands and someone crashed into me. We both hit the floor. I looked back at the referee. “No foul?”

Duncan Swift was on the floor beside me. My own teammate had fouled me. “You were about to give them two points,” he said, jumping up and holding out a hand.

I had raced for the wrong basket.

“Thanks.”

Parents snickered on both sides of the gym. I tried not to look as we set up our defense.

“Shake it off,” Coach Baldwin said.

The ball came in to #23 and I fouled him. He glared at me.

Coach Baldwin called me over while #23 sank both free throws. “Don’t worry about that. Focus.”

I nodded, trying to catch my breath.

Coach slapped me on the back. “It was a good shot. Good form.” He smiled. “Just wait until the second half to shoot at that end.”

I saw Sam in the stands. He was on the phone, but he gave me a thumbs-up. Why was he always on the phone?

At the half #23 had scored 15 points, but we were only four points down. The sleepover must’ve taken a lot out of me. I had only two points.