Roster Rebound by Jake Maddox

Author:Jake Maddox [Maddox, Jake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sports; sports stories; jake maddox; capstone; stone arch books; basketball; friendship; teamwork; sportsmanship; children’s book; books for kids; chapter books; social emotional learning
Publisher: Capstone
Published: 2023-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

Jack nodded. “He’s gotten better since our last game.” He took a swig of his water. “We can still win, though!”

To start the second half, the referee handed the ball to a Ravens player on the sidelines. When the ref blew his whistle, the Ravens tossed the ball inbounds. One of his teammates caught the pass, and the teams fell into their formations.

All through the second half, Nina did her best. But Cody was a constant distraction.

When the Ravens surrounded her and she tried to pass to Jack, Cody yelled, “Don’t pass! Dribble down the court.”

But when Nina tried her best to follow his instructions, a Ravens player slapped the ball away from her and took control.

As the game stretched on, Nina’s thoughts raced. Cody’s making me question myself—but I know I’m good at this!

“Stop daydreaming!” Cody yelled on cue. “Cover Douglas!”

Nina jumped into action, chased him down, and intercepted a pass. She dribbled back to her side and then took her shot at the basket. It missed.

Douglas snagged the rebound and raced to his basket. As Nina tried to block his shot, she accidentally tripped him.

The referee blew his whistle.

“Great. You fouled him.” Cody scowled at Nina. “He gets two free throws because of you.”

Nina swallowed her angry reply. Cody was getting in her head and causing her to make silly mistakes.

The players lined up and Douglas took his first shot.

Nina groaned as it went in. She groaned again when Douglas’s second shot went in too.

The rest of the game didn’t go much better. In the end, the Marmots lost 43–35.

“This is your fault!” Cody stalked toward her. His face was red. “We could’ve won the game if you were a better player!”

His words stung. Nina already felt horrible about the loss and was convinced that she’d let down the team. She headed to the locker room, her steps slow and weary.

Maybe I should just quit, she thought. Basketball doesn’t feel like my happy place anymore.

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