The Heated Match

(names used throughout the writing are not their real names, for privacy reasons)

It seemed as though the bad luck from floorball had somehow passed on to basketball, because effortless it had seemed, most teams that opposed us had won. Our team won last week, so we had to maintain our win.

Carter, the star player of our team, had a great reputation. Still does. I noticed this because in every game, when my teammates were in a helpless position, they would always depend on Carter to race through the court and shoot. This was probably because either Carter was stupendously good at this sport, or he was just undeniably reliable. Most likely both.

This game was not that different compared to all games we'd played. However, the team we were facing were not what we had played against before...

Now when I say that, I mean they were super different. Their physical attributes were tall and almost muscular and wore bright yellow T-shirts, and their expressions hinted no sign of friendliness. They looked as though they were set to win this game, no matter what came their way.

I stare at them as every fibre of my being intimidated and stunned when they practiced before the game began. A short and stubby boy in their team attempted a three pointer shot (you would had to shoot this near-impossible shot from a great distance), but it bounced of the ring of the hoop. Even if he didn't make that shot, the ball almost went in. Key word: almost. I didn't want to admit is at the time, but I felt like this would be a guaranteed victory for them. Even with our combined strengths and efforts, we didn't stand a chance. I tried my hardest to bite down the discouragement that lingered.

Carter's dad, our coach, counted a random selection of five to play first. There was 8 of us in total, and I was one of the three that weren't chosen, so I remained in my seat. My friend Marcal unwillingly walked up to the centre of the court, alongside other teammates, who were scattered at one half of the court.

I stare, praying silent prayers. I hope they won't eat us alive, I think to myself.

Before I could even process this, the ball leapt into the air, and we're off. Or at least, my other classmates are.

They sprint, eventually after a bit of passing around and impressive teamwork, Carter shoots. For a millisecond, I'm really nervous. Will it go in??

It does. "YESS!" I yell. We are currently winning by approximately...

2 points. Need a lot more than that.

Coach walks up to my seat. "Okay I'll let you go in for... see that girl with a bun over there?" He points at Krystal, who is concentrated on the game. 

I nod.

"Great. Fill in for her. Krystal!!" He sort of half yells and half says it, but loud enough for her to hear.

Krystal notices him calling to her, so she jogs up to the bench as I nervously walk to the game. 

Godspeed me, I suppose.

*

A few minutes into the game, and we are not that close according to our score.

Sure, we've scored a bit, 11 points to be exact, but our opponents are up to at least near to 30 POINTS. Things aren't looking great.

But right now, the short and stubby boy tries to pass the ball to one of his teammates, but Carter darts fast enough to catch it. That was probably one of the most exciting things that ever happened in this game.

Carter zooms to the hoop and shoots it. 

It doesn't make it in.

To be honest with you, I should've expected that in the first place. Everyone, even star players of sports teams, are not that perfect. Marcal says our team suck, but after playing the first half, I've just realised that maybe our defense is terrible but needs working on.  

Eventually, a sharp buzzing sound fills the air, signalling that the first half is officially done. And hopefully not my team.

Coach forms us up into a group huddle. "You guys did great out there. But just remember that you need to mark someone. Block that person." 

He hands his fist out. "Te Aro on three."

We all countdown to three. "1, 2, 3, TE ARO!" We chant.

He once again randomly selects a group of 5 to start off the second round.

Unfortunately, I have been chosen.

We walk to the halfway line of the court, like we did in the first half. The ball is thrown to the air and the second half has officially began.

This photo was from last week's game, so that's why they're not wearing bright yellow T-shirts

*

I quickly began to notice that through out the second half, their sportsmanship rapidly became worser. Like for example, if they missed a shot, they would swear under their breath. But I also realised that they were also underestimating some of my teammates.

Anna was trying to throw the ball to the hoop, but then it missed. But unexpectedly, a shorter opponent said something I never thought he would say.

"Let them."

What did that mean? The last time I checked, they were being all aggro and now they're letting us have this one chance?? The mood change was very abrupt so what was their true intention? I'd come to the conclusion that maybe because of Anna's height, they were underestimating her. Real bad. 

Her friend Isa was right near the hoop too, so when Anna tried another shot on the hoop, the ball headed downwards to Isa. It was practically perfect. If Isa didn't miss this shot, then she could show the short opponent what her capabilities really are.

But she threw the ball, and it didn't make it.

A burning feeling switches on inside of me. I hate that feeling when you're helpless and your opponents are very aware of it.

And now Isa is being treated like this. Treated like this from these pompous, condescending freaks.

It's like Anna and Isa have used all of their chances to shoot, because the same boy that let them shoot has made the call for his team to continue the game and hit play.

They resume their point gaining streak. And I can't help but feel hopeless.

*

There is a minute till the game ends. And everyone is pushing very hard, they will never stop until the seconds on the scoreboard says "0:00". It's a matter of seconds now. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. We only have 16 points, and they have 40-something. I can't really remember at this point. 5. 4. 3. 2...

1.

The buzzer buzzes. That means the game ended. But that also meant...

We lost.

I hung my head low as we make a line to high five the opposing team. Everyone is tired because, well this school was a lot. And kinda sad. But I don't take this seriously. Because we don't suck. We make a great team, and of course we have to practice and improve a lot more, and lose loads of times to win. We are not perfect.

We high five everyone on their team and I shake everyone's hands. I want to show good sportmanship, like everyone has in my team has for the last few weeks of basketball.

I walk out of Akau Tangi and into the car park. That was actually a decent game, despite our loss.

And besides, a game doesn't necessarily mean it's not fun even if we lost.