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twenty-four shots. They hit around eighteen percent of their shots. We can’t afford to have them shoot very much. We won because you two played hard, shot well and didn’t let the others give up.”
    â€œThey did try hard,” Kia agreed.
    â€œThey did . Think about that last basket,” Mr.Roberts said. “The game was basically over, and we could’ve lost, but Devon goes after that ball, strips it from their player. Then Bilaal practically kills himself by grabbing the ball as it goes out of bounds and taps it back in to you, Kia, before he crashes into those seats. And, of course, Kia gets it to you, Nick, and you shoot. But really, if any of those plays weren’t made, we would have lost.”
    Strange. I hadn’t thought of any of that, but Mr. Roberts was right.
    â€œWe’ll just have to keep trying as hard as we can every play of every game,” Mr. Roberts said.
    â€œWe’ll keep hustling,” I confirmed.
    â€œI hope so. It’s going to be harder once we start losing,” he said.
    Kia and I looked at each other and then at him. Neither of us was expecting him to say that.
    â€œCome on, you two aren’t the only ones who know basketball. For us to have any chance in any game, we’ll have to out-hustle everybody. If we don’t bring more energy than the other team, we have no chance. It’s easier to hustle when you’re winning or the game is close. Much harder if you’re losing, especially by a lot…and that could happen.”
    â€œYou better tell them,” Kia said, gesturing to the rest of the team. “After yesterday they think we’re going to go undefeated.”
    â€œIt’s better if they don’t know. Let’s not talk to them about any of this. Let them believe, because that may be the best weapon we have.”
    He paused. “Besides, it isn’t just about winning.”
    â€œIt isn’t?” Kia questioned.
    He shrugged. “Well, winning is nice, but maybe this year winning isn’t about the score at the end but how we play the game.”
    I was pretty sure that winning was based solely on the score at the end of the game, but I didn’t think that was what he meant or wanted to hear.
    â€œIf we keep on trying, keep on improving, then that will be like a victory,” he continued.
    Maybe like a victory, but certainly not a victory.
    â€œAnd that’s why I need the two of you to promise me you will not give up on them and will keep the team from giving up,” he said.
    â€œThat’s a promise,” Kia said. “You won’t see any quit in either of us.”
    â€œNo way we’ll quit,” I agreed.
    â€œNo matter how bad it gets, we’ll keep a positive attitude. But it sure would have been a real morale booster if the Raptors had agreed to send a player to our school. But there’s no chance of that, right?” he asked.
    â€œTheir letter was pretty clear that they can’t come this year,” I said. “The letter said they get hundreds and hundreds of requests and can’t say yes to them all.”
    â€œWell, I guess they have a point,” Mr. Roberts said. “Although sometimes taking no for an answer is too easy.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” I asked.
    â€œYou truly fail when you stop trying to succeed,” he said.
    â€œDo you have an idea?” I asked—hoping he did.
    â€œI just gave you an idea. Maybe you shouldn’t give up so easily,” he said.
    I dribbled a few steps and then skidded to a stop as a little grade-one kid scampered in front of me, chasing a ball. He didn’t even notice me. It was lucky I saw him or there could have been another playground collision.
    â€œHe’s right, you know,” Kia said.
    â€œThat little kid with the ball?”
    â€œNo. Mr. Roberts. He’s right. We shouldn’t just give up on the idea of having the Raptors come to our