Jump Shot Read Online Free Page B

the breeze.
    Not much muscle on him, Tiki couldn’t help noticing. In spite of his height, Bobby had gotten pushed around by the other team’s center and forwards during the game he and Ronde had watched.
    Would today be any different?
    â€œTime to get out there,” Sugar said, and they all rose as one. It was, Tiki observed, as if the coach himselfhad spoken. They filed into the gym, slowly, like prisoners going to the gallows.
    Tiki had to shake his head. He couldn’t wait to get into his first game on the basketball team! It was hard for him to believe that he was the only one who cared that much.
    Coach Jackson arrived on the scene right before tip-off. “Okay,” he told the players as they gathered around him. “Pulaski’s a tough team, and we’re in transition. But let’s at least try to put up a good fight. You never know what might happen. Give it your best, guys!”
    Tiki couldn’t believe it! Coach Wheeler would have exploded in rage. How could the coach not even try to inspire his team? Did he think they’d already lost, or what?
    Tiki started the game on the bench, but right from the opening tip-off, he was itching to get out there and be a part of the action.
    At first, things went well. Sugar hit a couple of easy shots, and Bobby blocked a shot by the Wildcats’ power forward.
    But then, things started to turn sour. Rory Mathis missed his first two jumpers, and committed a couple of quick fouls. Only four minutes in, and Tiki found himself coming into the game!
    He looked over to the stands, trying to spot Ronde. There was his twin, jumping up and down and screamingsomething encouraging. Tiki smiled and waved.
    â€œOkay, Mr. Football, let’s see what you’ve got,” Sugar said, slapping him on the back.
    Mr. Football? Tiki thought it was a strange thing to call him—and he wasn’t very happy about it, either. He was trying to think of himself as a basketball player right now, not a football star.
    Tiki inbounded the ball to Sugar, who dribbled downcourt. By now, the Wildcat defenders had figured out that they needed to double-team the Eagles’ star. Cornered, Sugar dished off to Tiki at the head of the foul circle.
    Tiki felt overcome with excitement—he was free, and had the ball! Squaring himself to the basket, he launched a long shot. SWISH!! A three-pointer!
    â€œYeah!” yelled Bobby Dominic, high-fiving Tiki on their way back upcourt. Sugar was clapping his hands too. Tiki gave them a little wave and a nod. He felt fantastic.
    Now the Wildcats came slowly upcourt, launching a set play. Tiki’s man was shorter than he was, but he had a quick set of moves, and an even quicker shot. Before he could stop the kid, he dribbled around Tiki and put up an easy ten-footer for two points.
    â€œMan!” Tiki said, shaking his head. He knew he had to do better on defense against such a quick opponent.
    Again, Sugar Morton found himself surrounded byPulaski defenders. Again, he found Tiki at the point. Again, Tiki launched a long bomb, and again— SWISH!
    â€œWow!” Tiki heard Coach Jackson yelling. “We’ve got us a player! Yeah, baby!”
    Tiki felt great—until his man faked him out, pulled back, and nailed a three-pointer of his own.
    Well, so far, we’re even, just about, thought Tiki. But he knew in his heart that his first two shots had been lucky. Ronde hadn’t been that far wrong when he’d said they weren’t great shooters.
    This time down the court, Sugar tried forcing his way through the defense, and was stripped of the ball. The fast break happened so quickly that Tiki was caught off guard. His man put in an easy layup, and Pulaski took the lead for the first time in the game.
    â€œ Defense, yo!” Sugar yelled at Tiki as they headed back downcourt. “You’ve gotta play both ends of the court!”
    Tiki nodded, showing he understood. But he could feel the