TIME in. Culbert's out. The tall boys had been taken out, replaced by smaller boys. They were fresh, eager. Culbert began to roll.
Fast dribbling. Quick passes. They sank two long set shots that drew a tremendous applause from the crowd.
The buzzer. Time out for the Lakers.
“Screen Rusty!” said Alec. “Give him some shots!”
Had Alec remembered those nights Rusty had dunked nine out of ten? And twelve out of fifteen?
Culbert played a man-to-man defense But Ted, playing in place of Joby, managed to slip a pass to Rusty. Then Ted got in front of Rusty to give him a screen. Rusty aimed, shot.
Basket!
Later, Perry made the same play. He screened Rusty, and again Rusty sank the shot.
“Good eye!” Perry praised him.
By now Rusty was more “in” the game. He no longer played only in or around the corner. This, he realized, was a game in which he had to participate more than in any game he had ever played.
I hope Alec won't take me out because I'm playing more than just the corner, thought Rusty. I'm sure I won't get hurt. I'm really sure of it!
The Lakers trailed by one point — 39 to 38.
Time was called. The two tall boys returned to the game for Culbert.
“Ted! Corny! Cover that one! I'll cover the blond!” yelled Perry.
In spite of Ted's and Corny's efforts, the tall, dark-haired forward for Culbert took a pass, broke fast for the basket, and dunked a lay-up.
Seconds later Corny sank a long one.
Culbert — 41; Lakers — 40.
Culbert's out. The tall blond took the pass from out of bounds, dribbled it up-court.
Swiftly — as swiftly as he could, that is — Rusty ran forward, reached out his hand, and stole the ball!
He turned, dribbled down-court, and felt as if weights were holding down his legs. A moment ago the clock had said only seconds to play. If he could get past the center line, well within throwing distance of the basket, he might be able to dump it in. If…
He crossed the center line. Culbert men sprang in front of him from both sides. Rusty stopped, aimed briefly, and shot. Just as he did so one of the men leaped forward, struck Rusty's arm! He fell against Rusty, and both of them toppled hard to the floor.
Rusty was stunned. He could not get up. Time was called, and Alec hurried forward from the bench.
He crouched beside Rusty. “Rusty! Where did you get hurt?”
“My head,” murmured Rusty. “I — I'll be all right. Just banged it a little.”
The dizziness cleared. Alec helped him to his feet.
“You sure?” Alec said, seriously. “You sure you really want to keep playing?”
Rusty cracked a smile. “I'm sure, Coach. I'm all right, now. Honest!”
Alec grinned, slapped him on the shoulder. “Okay! You've got two foul shots coming. Let's see you make them both!”
Rusty stepped to the free-throw line. The referee handed him the ball. The gym was silent as Rusty took aim, and shot.
In! The ball fell through the rim without touching it.
“This is it, Rus,” said Perry near him. “Make it, and we're ahead!”
Rusty aimed carefully. He was nervous, now. Boy, he was nervous!
He shot. The ball struck the rim, wobbled slightly, then dropped through the net!
“Perfect!” cried Perry.
The Lakers fans roared so loudly the place shook.
Ten seconds to go… nine… eight…
Culbert tried to move the ball as quickly as possible up-court. The Lakers were on them like hornets. Once… twice… the Lakers knocked down passes. Both times Culbert recovered the ball.
Seven… six… five…
Culbert's tall blond had the ball. He charged forward. Perry and Rusty both were in his way. The blond stopped. He feinted in different directions with the ball as Perry and Rusty got closer and closer to him.
Then he shot. It was a hurried throw. It missed the basket by inches.
Perry turned and ran back for the rebound, just as the horn blew.
The game was over. The Lakers were the winners — 42 to 41.
Cheers filled the gym. Cheers from the Lakers' fans.
“Here's the guy who won it for us!” Perry cried. “Come on, fellas! Let's give him a lift off the court!”
Before he knew what was happening, Rusty's teammates had put him on their shoulders, and carried him off the floor.
Rusty heard a voice start singing behind him, and then everyone joined in:
For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
That nobody can deny!
Not only were the players singing, the Lakers' fans were, too.
Rusty turned, and met Alec's eyes squarely. Alec winked. There was no mistaking the happiness in his face. Rusty knew it was because Alec, who could never play basketball again himself, had turned a group of boys into a great basketball team.
That nobody can deny!
That nobody can deny!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
That nobody can deny!