Dunk Under Pressure by Rich Wallace Read Free Book Online Page B

happened. Now I can’t wait to get back to it. Get a chance to redeem myself.”
    “Tomorrow morning,” Krystal said.
    “Nah,” Dunk replied. “I probably won’t even play in that game. What I mean is, the next season is a long way off. I’m going to have to live with this for a while.”
    “Live with it, yeah. Kick it in the butt every time you get on the court. You don’t want to forget what happened. You want it hanging there to remind you how hard you have to work to get past it.”
    Dunk’s eyes opened a little wider. He bit down on his lip. “I hear you.”
    “How’d you even make this team in the first place, Cornell? As I remember you were the worst of the worst a year ago.”
    Dunk gave a slight smile. “Was I that bad?” “You weren’t good. Took about a thousand hours of practice just to learn to shoot free throws, didn’t it?”
    Dunk’s smile got wider. “I think I learned a little faster than that.”
    “Still can’t jump,” Krystal said. “Still can’t run. Got a long way to go, I’d say.”
    “Whoa,” Dunk said, leaning back in mock surprise. “Getting tough on me, aren’t you?”
    Krystal put her arm around him. “Maybe you’re finally getting tough enough to take it, nephew. See, there’s more to life than free throws. There’s more to basketball than free throws. That’s a good place to start, though. Now we just move on from here.”

8
    Back on the Horse
     
     
    C oach Temple had a surprise for the team as they gathered in the locker room before the consolation game.
    “Miguel and David will be the starting guards,” he said. “This is not a demotion for Willie or Spencer or anybody else. But we’ve all worked hard and we all deserve some quality playing time, especially since the title is out of our reach.”
    Spencer looked surprised, but he didn’t balk. Willie put up his hand.
    “Yes, Willie?”
    “Will we play at all?”
    “Sure. Everybody will play a lot today. But I’m not done naming the starters yet.”
    “You’re benching us, too?” Fiorelli asked.
    “Not benching. Just spreading things out. We’re going with Lamont and Dunk at forward. Louie at center.”
    Dunk’s eyes got wide and he felt a tightening in his gut, but that quickly went away. Jared gave him a light jab with his elbow and said, “It’s all you, bro.”
    “You got it,” Dunk replied.
    “We’re not conceding anything,” Coach said. “Third is better than fourth. But last night was wrenching. Let’s take the pressure off and enjoy this game. I don’t expect any falloff just because we’re starting five new guys. Everybody on this team is good.”
    Dunk stood and walked with the others to the gym. He was excited but scared. This was unexpected.
    Montclair had won its first two games but had fallen to Burlington in the semifinal. So the two North Jersey teams would be playing for third place in the tournament.
    And though he knew it was just a consolation game, meaningless to anyone but those involved, Dunk couldn’t help but feel as energized as if he were competing for a state title. What a difference to know in advance that he’d be playing an important role. Not like last night when he’d been caught off guard and unready at a crucial moment.
    “Thanks, Coach,” he said, falling in step with Coach Temple as they entered the gym.
    “Right back on the horse,” Coach said. “Put last night behind you.”
    “That’s where it is, but I won’t ever forget it. I’m ready.”
    Dunk stood near the basket and rebounded for his teammates, who were firing up jump shots. The bleachers were nearly empty. Most of the Hudson City fans had gone home after last night’s game, and the bigger crowd for the championship game hadn’t arrived yet. Aunt Krystal was seated behind the Hornets’ bench.
    “Guess it’s up to us,” said Louie Gonzalez, joining Dunk under the basket. Louie had not played since the opening game against Salem, and even then he’d only been on the