We Are Family by LeBron James

Author:LeBron James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2021-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“A GAME? WE’RE NOT READY for an actual game!” Dex’s brow furrows above his glasses as his hands flail wildly in the air. “We don’t even have enough people for a team!”

“I know that,” Tamika says calmly. “That’s why I told my cousin to only bring four of their players.”

Dex’s breathing evens, but only slightly. “I don’t know, Tamika. I still don’t think we’re ready. We haven’t even learned any plays. Personally, I don’t feel—”

“Look,” Tamika says, cutting him off, “we’re never gonna feel ready until we have a reason to get ready. The Fall Invitational is around the corner. If we want to compete, we have to take this seriously. What happened to us being optimistic?”

Dex nods, but his face is still crumpled with concern. Nearby, Chris and Anthony only shrug. Anthony needs minimal convincing from Tamika to do just about anything. As for Chris? He’s simply there to hold up his end of the deal with Dex so he can pass Creative Writing.

“I really think we’ll be fine,” Tamika adds. “Like, for real, everybody on my cousin’s team is literally ten years old.”

This should have brought Dex a moment of relief, but as soon as Tamika finishes speaking, the 10U Lorain Lady Legion comes busting through the gym doors. The girls may be ten-and-under, but Dex can’t help but notice that they’re all taller, and likely stronger, than he is.

There’s a period of awkward hellos and competitive sizing up before Principal Kim takes her position as the referee. Minutes later, the game begins.

During the first couple of minutes of play, Tamika’s prophecy appears to be accurate. Chris makes a couple of easy layups on fast breaks, and Tamika hits a couple of mid-range jumpers to keep the score close early on. At the same time, Anthony is displaying Rodman-like presence on D, shutting down the paint with relative efficiency, while Dex does a pretty good job not turning the ball over. It’s a minor achievement but an important one, especially considering Dex’s skill level just a few weeks before.

Unfortunately, as the game wears on, Hoop Group’s collective effort just isn’t enough. Like the Tin Man without a heart or Phil Jackson without a triangle, the Hoop Groupers are incomplete. They’re a jumble of parts without the glue to hold them together.

By the beginning of the second half, the Lady Legion has fully adjusted their defense, double-teaming Tamika and forcing Hoop Group into a slower, half-court offense. Eventually, the shots stop falling, and without the ability to create momentum, a Hoop Group defeat becomes inevitable.

Once the game has ended and the fifth graders head back out the double doors, slapping fives and shouting praise, Dex’s heart goes hollow with envy. He wants that kind of chemistry for Hoop Group, but at this rate, they’ll be lucky to just get a fifth player. As practice ends, the Hoop Groupers gather on the bleachers to commiserate.

“What are we gonna do now?” Dex says, his eyes fixed on a hard, dry wad of gum stuck to the bleacher below him.

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