Alexa dribbled past two friends. She shot — clank! The ball bounced off the rim and rolled away. She stared at her scuffed sneakers and kicked the grass.
The next morning, Alexa stood alone on the playground. She dribbled, stopped, dribbled, and shot — whoosh! The net fluttered. She pumped her fist and a grin cracked across her face.
Later that day, Leo joined her. Alexa tossed him the ball. He bounced it twice and shot — swish! He jumped up and down while Alexa clapped until her palms stung.
Game day arrived. The playground buzzed with kids in red and blue shirts. Red team versus blue team. The scoreboard read 5–5 as the final minute ticked away.
Alexa wiped her sweaty palms on her shorts. The clock hit zero. Tied game. She took a deep breath and looked at the hoop.
Mia tossed the ball from the sideline. Alexa caught it near the three-point line. She faked left, pivoted right, and launched the ball.
The basketball sailed high, arcing slower than any shot she’d ever made. Every eye followed its path. The playground held its breath.
Swish! The net snapped. Alexa’s teammate grabbed her in a hug. Leo jumped up and down beside them. The sun felt warm on their faces.