Enzo stepped up to the free-throw line. He shot—but the ball bounced hard off the rim. It rolled away across the empty gym with a loud echo.
He jogged after the bouncing orange ball. Picked it up, wiped his hands on his shorts, and tried again. Whoosh—it missed once more.
Enzo set up a line of orange cones and practiced his dribbling. He pushed the ball too hard. It bounced way too high and rolled right under the bleachers.
He crawled on his hands and knees beneath the metal bleachers. His cheeks turned pink in the warm gym air. He reached deep under and grabbed the ball.
Enzo lined up for his crossover move. Again. And again. But this time the ball slipped from his fingers. Clank! It bumped right into the water fountain.
Enzo laughed out loud and shook his head. He picked up the orange ball, wiped the court with his sneakers, and set his feet. Time to start over.
Enzo stepped back to the corner. He took a breath and let it fly. The ball arced through the air—swish! Clean through the net with a sharp snap.
Enzo pumped his right fist high in the air and did a little jump. A huge grin spread across his face. He had finally made it.
Game day arrived and the gym was full of cheering fans. Enzo drove hard to the hoop, dodged past defenders, and scored.
The coach clapped and reached out for a high-five from the sidelines. The whole team cheered from the bleachers. Enzo bounced on his toes, breathing hard and smiling.