Free Center Court Sting by Matt Christopher Page A

thirty seconds left, and the Rangers led by a point. Lynn put the ball in play, throwing
     a pass intended for Daren. Out of nowhere, Tisdale darted in front of Daren to grab the ball and lay it in.
    The Rebels led!
    Coach Michaels called for a Ranger timeout — their last one.
    “We’re going to win this with a pick-and-roll,” he said, and diagrammed the play he wanted on a small chalkboard. “Let’s win
     it!”
    Lynn dribbled downcourt as the Rebels set up their defense. As the closing seconds ticked away, he passed to Daren, who firedto Cris Campbell. Lynn stayed outside, and Cris gave him the ball. Daren wheeled to the top of the key, and Lou stood in
     the high post, just in front of him, his back to the basket.
    Ten seconds left. Daren took a quick pass from Lynn, dribbled once, and set himself for a jump shot. Sam Farrell tried to
     get past Lou, and Drew Capp kept his arms high to block Daren’s view.
    Lou spun around and darted past Drew. Daren jumped, but instead of shooting, he threw a pass that Lou caught in mid-stride.
     He laid it in off the glass — and the Rangers took a one-point lead, with three seconds to play!
    The Rebels had no more time-outs. They inbounded the ball, and Tony Tisdale threw up a long, desperate shot, from just across
     the midcourt line.
    It fell short. The Rangers had won!
    Suddenly Daren found himself in the middle of a yelling mob of Ranger players and fans. He, Lou, and Lynn were hugging each
     other, and Shawn jumped on Lynn’s back. Daren forced his way to the edge of the celebration, grabbed Andy Higgins, and dragged
     him into the middle of the crowd.
    The Rangers finally started for the locker room. Daren found himself face to face with Tony Tisdale, who stuck out a hand.
    “Good game,” said Tony.
    Daren shook hands, and replied, “Thanks. You, too.”
    Tisdale smiled. “We’ll see you guys in the tournament.”
    Daren nodded as he pushed open the locker room door.
    Inside, Lou was holding up his red shoes. “These shoes are good luck!” he yelled.
    Shawn laughed. “Hey, let’s all paint our shoes red!”
    “Right!” Lynn shouted. “We’ll go all the way!”
    “What for?” Daren asked. “Who needs good luck… when you play like a
team!”

Matt Christopher ®
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The Year Mom Won the Pennant
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