We went to Terra's basketball game last weekend. They sell concessions at the high school. Jack and Madeline got their fair share of candy and sugar to start the game off right. Terra started the first quarter. Her team is playing man-on-man and she's doing great; for a while the concept that she is supposed to stay between her man and the goal didn't sink in quite right, but she's clearly doing it right now.
Madeline's minding Jack, who's running up and down the bleachers like crazy.
One fast break down the court, Terra's teammate was fouled while shooting a field goal -- two free throws. Moans and groans from the team, cheers from the parents and family in the bleachers. Everyone lines up to shoot the first free throw.
Terra's team mate gets the ball from the referee, the player takes two dribbles and lines up preparing to shoot, and the crowd quiets itself out of politeness.
The next thing heard was "I got to go poop, Dad!" very loudly from Jack.
Laughter all around. I was a little embarrassed. If he hadn't said, Dad, I would have asked Madeline to take him, but I volunteered. It was a long one. I got back in the second quarter, Terra from the side lines across the court mouths the excited words, "I made a shot!" Her first shot! I mouthed back, "I'm proud of you."
She played a great game, not just on defense. She hustled, didn't quite dive for a ball, but there's only one person in the league I've seen do that, she played her position, and had controlled dribbling. She didn't however score again Terra moped that I didn't see it -- so did I.
Fast forward to the evening and Madeline's basketball game. Madeline made a shot at the beginning of the year, but has since then she's been shy about shooting. Misty told her, "If you're under the basket -- shoot." She's usually taller than the girls guarding her, and she is stronger.
Her team was down 6 - 8, and came down the court on on offense, about halfway through the second half. One of her friends shoots the ball, misses the basket, but Madeline reaches up and makes the rebound -- then almost instantly shoots. I hear a slap on her forearm. She's been fouled while shooting, the whistle blows, and BAM, the basket goes in. The crow cheers, and so do I.
I look down and Terra's devastated. She can't believe I missed her shot.
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