Hoop Doctor by Jake Maddox

Author:Jake Maddox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 9781434216052, Fiction, Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories, Sports & Recreation/Basketball, Family/Siblings, Social Issues/Emotions & Feelings
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Published: 2010-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

BASKETBALL PROBLEMS

“I’m ready,” Kelsey said, opening her hands for the ball. Marian passed it to her, and she caught it solidly against her chest.

“All right, let’s see you dribble,” Marian said. “I’m going to guard you.”

Kelsey started dribbling up the court.

“So,” Marian said, easily running in front of her, “what’s with these basketball problems of yours? I have to say, you look pretty comfortable on the court.”

Kelsey shrugged and did a lay-up. “It’s nothing,” she said. “I’m just sick of playing.”

“Why don’t you quit?” Marian asked. She stole the ball and ran up the court to the other basket. Kelsey ran after her. She waved her arms, trying to block Marian’s shot.

“I don’t know,” Kelsey said. “I think maybe I’m going to. But . . .”

She paused, watching Marian shoot. When she took a shot, the ball seemed to float through the basket.

“It’s just that everyone’s going to be so mad,” Kelsey said. “My parents, Coach Heck, Erin . . .”

“Who’s Erin?” Marian asked. She handed Kelsey the ball. “Try some spins while you dribble.”

Kelsey tried an awkward spin and missed the ball. It bounced away down the court.

“Erin’s my sister,” she said after she retrieved the ball. “She’s been the center on the team for years.”

“So why does she care if you play basketball?” Marian asked. She took the ball from Kelsey and did three spins while dribbling.

“Keep your eyes in one spot while you spin,” Marian said, handing the ball back. “That’s the key.”

Kelsey spun again. This time, she managed to keep the ball under control.

“It’s just that everyone wants me to be exactly like her,” Kelsey explained. “They even call me Erin sometimes. They think we’re the same person, but we’re not!”

Her voice rose, and she did another spin. This time, she kept the ball in play perfectly.

“You’ve got it!” Marian said. “That was it, the way you just did it.”

Kelsey stopped. “Wow, I did it!” she said.

Marian grinned. “All right, let’s see you shoot,” she said.

Kelsey dribbled the ball down the court and tossed the ball toward the basket.

“Hmm,” Marian said. “If you shoot like that all the time, you won’t have to worry about people caring if you quit. That was awful. Your sister must shoot better than that.”

Kelsey felt a bubble of anger rise in her chest. Another person was comparing her to Erin. And Marian didn’t even know her!

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