Bad-Luck Basketball Read Online Free PDF Page B

thought. Some inspiration I am. He watched helplessly as the Hornets turned the rebound into another two easy points.
    The Spring Hill crowd roared with excitement.
    â€œWe’re getting killed,” Jeff said as they ran back across the court. “It feels like we’re still lost in those woods.”
    Brandon nodded. They were completely falling apart, and looking at the score, it seemed like they were just as lost in the game. Something needed to change — fast.
    Brandon watched the Hornets’ defense closely as the Clovers moved into scoring position. The opposing players talked to one another, pointing to where they thought the ball was headed. Every player looked totally focused on what was happening on the court.
    Looking over at his own teammates, Brandon realized what a difference there was. The Clovers looked worn out, worried, and totally unfocused. Charlie, who had just come in for Tony, already looked ready for the bench again. Drew looked preoccupied with a cut on his leg, and Kevin looked like he was moving around the court in slow motion. Meanwhile, the Hornets’ player covering him clung like Velcro. From the looks of it, the Clovers were done.
    By halftime, the score was 43-17. Brandon followed his teammates into the locker room, feeling almost as defeated as they looked. Everyone acted like the game was already over.
    Coach Hanson followed the players in and stood for a moment in silence. “So this is it, huh?” he asked. He pulled off his baseball cap. “We came all this way, made it to our first play-off game in who knows how long, and we’re just done. Is that what I’m seeing?”
    Most of the players stared at the ground. No one said anything in reply. Brandon wanted to speak up, but bit his tongue.
    â€œI don’t know what else to tell you guys,” Coach said. “But I’ll say what you already know. We’re losing this game. It’s half over, but the way you guys are playing, it was over before the first jump.”
    The locker room was silent. All the players seemed too worn down or afraid to utter a word.
    â€œYou guys aren’t playing basketball,” Coach continued. “You’re watching the Hornets play. And if something doesn’t change, you’ll be watching the Hornets win this game and advance to the next round of the play-offs.”
    Coach paused again and looked around the locker room. Most of the players stared down at their feet, not meeting his eyes.
    â€œI’ll see you out there,” Coach said. “And hopefully you guys will play some basketball when you get back on the court.”
    With that, Coach Hanson tugged his hat back onto his head and left the locker room.

CHAPTER 12
LUCKY BREAK
    â€œCoach is right,” Drew said after a moment of silence. “We’re letting the Hornets walk all over us out there.”
    â€œAnd that’s why we’re losing,” Brandon added, unable to hold it in any longer. “We suddenly have it in our heads that we stink and don’t deserve to be here.”
    â€œWe don’t,” Stephen blurted. “Not the way we’ve been playing.”
    â€œThat’s not true,” Brandon said. “We deserve to be here more than anyone else does. We fought for the last spot in the play-offs. We survived a bunch of dumb accidents, bad luck, or whatever else you want to call it.”
    Brandon looked at the rest of the Clovers. From the looks on their faces, he had their attention. “Guys,” Brandon said, “we trekked through the woods in the dark after our bus broke down just to be here. And for what? To lose?”
    â€œNo!” his teammates replied, getting riled up.
    â€œTo embarrass ourselves?” Brandon continued. “To call it quits?”
    â€œNo!” the Clovers shouted.
    â€œWe’re a team!” Brandon hollered. “On the court and off. Through good luck and bad luck. We stick together,