Three On Three by Eric Walters Page B

always takes the in-bounds and passes off to Kingsley. They use Roy under the rim to grab rebounds. I’ll be under the rim … waiting,” he said with a smile. “I can handle him, out-rebound him, box himout and score on him … easy. That means they’re going to have to bring somebody off one of you to double up on me. Then, we hit from the outside.”
    â€œSo you think we can take them,” I said.
    â€œIf they play the way we’ve seen them, I don’t think we can take them … I think we can kill them. I’m so sure I can practically taste those chocolate chip muffins your mom is making for us.”
    Kia whooped with delight. I smiled, but I knew no matter how we did, Marcus wasn’t going to be eating any muffins today.

Chapter 14
The Finals

    I looked around the gym. The entire stage was covered with kids. The others sat on the steps. Along the sidelines, standing or sitting on benches, were more than half the teachers in the school as well as a few parents. Where was my mom?
    I hadn’t been able to do school work all afternoon. I kept thinking about what Marcus had said about going back to my place after the game for our ‘victory’ muffins. I couldn’t help but think how much easier itwould be if we lost. Then everybody could just go home and nothing more would have to be said.
    â€œYou okay, Nick?” Kia asked.
    â€œSure, no problem. Why?”
    â€œYou just looked kind of lost. Are you nervous?”
    I shook my head. “Nope. Way past nervous. I’m scared.”
    â€œDon’t be scared,” Marcus interrupted. “There’s nothing here to be scared of.”
    I nodded my head in agreement, but then I caught sight of Roy. I wasn’t sure that Marcus was right.
    Then my attention was caught by my mother and father walking into the gym! They walked right up to us. I was so surprised to see them both, I forgot I was standing in front of the whole school and gave them both a hug.
    â€œI thought it was more important to be here than at any meeting,” my Dad said.
    â€œAnd I’ve brought you all something for good luck,” Mom added.
    â€œYou have? What?”
    She opened the bag she was carrying and removed six bright purple, Raptors sweat-bands. She handed two to each of us. We mumbled thanks and put them on.
    â€œI was out at the store this afternoon, saw them, just pulled out my
wallet
and bought them,” she said.
    â€œYour wallet!”
    â€œYes. I found it this morning stuffed in a crack in the couch. You were right, Nick, when you said it would turn up. You were right about everything.”
    She placed a hand on my shoulder.
    â€œThese are great sweatbands,” Kia said. “I love the Raptors.”
    â€œIt seemed right to get you Raptors wear — you three are going to eat up the other team.”
    The shrill blast of the whistle let us know it was time to start.
    â€œGood luck!” she said and reached out and gave me another hug.
    â€œYeah, good luck,” my father said. He reached over and shook my hand, thenKia’s and finally Marcus’. They went and took seats on the sidelines.
    â€œOkay, let’s do it,” Marcus said. “Just like we planned it.”
    I walked over and took the ball from Mr. Roberts. He signaled play to start. Kia set up in the middle and, as expected, Dean took up a spot beside her. Marcus broke for the net and Kingsley went with him, leaving Roy to cover me. Roy rushed up right beside me.
    â€œSurprise, you little geek. You’re mine,” he said.
    I held the ball, trying to think of what to do. Roy was supposed to go under the net, the way he had in all the other games. He waved his hands around, trying to block my view. Kingsley was on top of Marcus like a blanket. Kia broke toward me and I sent in a bounce pass. It hit her hands, but glanced off loose and Dean grabbed it. Dean made a quick move and, as Marcus went out to