“Aw, man. I missed again!” “You got a score of 2 out of 20 points. Ya’ll can go get changed now.” “Hey Joseph, I wonder if I made the team.” “Doubt it.” “But I bet you did.” “Yep.” “How do you get so good?” “Practice.” “Oh, that.” “I HATE practice.” “Oh, but that’s the only way to get better at it.” “Well, anyway, I still don’t like it.”

Anyway, my name is Thomas Jefficoat McLane, but my friends call me Jeffy or sometimes Tom. My best friend is Joseph Michell Luzellie. We are both in the sixth grade at Johnson Middle School.

As I was about to walk into the locker room, I heard Coach Chapman call my name. I slowly walked over to where he was standing. After what seemed like a million years, I finally reached the spot where he was standing. I should have been using that time to prepare for what he was about to tell me. “Yes, sir?” I said inquisitively. “Mr. McLane, you have some real talent. I’ve seen you play before, and you didn’t do your best out there. I want to see you tomorrow at 3:30 sharp. You got talent, kid!” “Yes, sir.” “Now, go get changed.” “Yes, sir.”

As I walked toward the locker room for the second time, I thought I’m a horrible player! I’ve never even played basketball before. Then, I opened the door. That was a mistake, as I soon realized. But I had to change back into my school clothes for my next class.

It was a mess in there. All the boys were throwing their dirty clothes around and screaming and yelling at each other. I quickly went over to my “corner” and began to get dressed. I did not want to even be a part of all the commotion because I knew that they would get in trouble later. Some body would tell. I slowly got dressed and thought over what Coach had told me, “I’ve seen you play before.” Where did he see me play? “You got talent, kid!” I’ve never even played basketball before. He even wants to see me tomorrow after school at 3:30. I’ve got to somehow tell him before it’s too late.

After I finished getting dressed, I walked over to the door, turned the knob, and walked into reality out of the crazy locker room. Sometimes I wish that all problems could be solved as easy as opening and closing a door. When I got into the gym, Coach Chapman had a big smile on his face. I automatically knew that something was up. Great, I thought to myself, what could he have in mind for me now?