Read Online Box Out by John Coy - Free Book Online

Coach Cullen in ninth grade and for you on JV, we never prayed before games or talked about Jesus.” Liam shoves the balls in.
    â€œYup.”
    â€œNow on varsity, we do.”
    â€œYup.” Coach G wheels the cage to the equipmentroom and Liam trails after him. “Every coach does things his own way.”
    â€œYeah, but why didn’t you do it?”
    â€œKids come from different backgrounds and believe different things. Some kids don’t believe much of anything.” Coach G pushes the rack against the wall. “I have to work with kids where they are.” He pulls out a key ring from his pocket.
    â€œSo you don’t think prayer in the locker room is a good idea?”
    â€œI didn’t say that.” Coach G locks the door and shakes the handle to make sure it’s secure. “You need to talk with Coach Kloss about that. You’re on varsity now. It’s his call.”
    At practice, Liam plants his feet against Drake, who’s banging against him. Pelke passes the ball and Liam turns and shoots. Drake jumps and blocks it.
    â€œDon’t be looking for your shot, Bergie,” Coach Kloss says. “We’ve got plenty of shooters on this team. Get the ball to them. Rebounding and defense, that’s your job.”
    Liam hurries back on defense. “I’ve got yours.” He slides over and slaps the ball off Nielsen’s knee.
    â€œGood help defense,” Coach calls.
    Liam passes the ball in. Pelke shoots a long jumper and Liam runs to the hoop for the rebound. The ball bounces off the rim and he leaps for it. He passes to Gund, who nails the jumper from the free throw line.
    â€œGood board.” Staley slaps Liam’s hand.
    â€œDrake, you can’t give up easy rebounds like that,” Coach shouts.
    Liam runs downcourt with extra energy. It’s a rush to anticipate where the ball will go. It’s like seeing the future.
    Coach blows his whistle. “Bonus situation. Hit both ends of the one and one.” Coach shoots a free throw and hits all net. “If you miss your first one, run two laps around the gym. If you miss your second, one lap.”
    Liam looks at the other guys, who are catching their breath. Just what they need. Pressure free throws to end practice.
    â€œWe’re in this as a team.” Coach makes his second shot. “We’re not leaving until everybody makes two in a row.”Liam grabs a ball, dribbles to the far hoop, and lines up his feet. He bounces the ball twice and shoots. The ball hits the front rim and rattles in.
    Drake runs past. He must have missed his first shot. Liam goes to the line and eyes the hoop. He dribbles and shoots. Too hard. The ball clangs off the back rim. He leaves the ball bouncing and takes off running. Nielsen’s ahead of him. He must have missed his, too. They’re going to be here all night.
    Liam runs back, picks up the ball, and toes the line. He doesn’t want to be the last one. The ball is off to the right from the moment it leaves his hands. He runs hard on his two laps, passing Gund and Staley, who are sprawled out on the bleachers. They made their two in a row. That figures—they’re the two best shooters on the team. Pelke jogs over to join them. He’s not a great shooter, but he hits his free throws.
    Liam finishes his second lap and picks up the ball. Relax. Take your time. He dribbles, exhales, and shoots. The ball hits the rim, rolls back, and drops in. One more.
    â€œC’mon, Bergie. Finish it off,” Staley shouts.
    Liam lines up, feeling eyes on him. Relax. Take your time. He aims and shoots. Swish —the beautiful sound. He runs to the bleachers and pounds fists with Pelke and Staley.
    Drake and Nielsen are still shooting and Liam exhales a long breath. It’s better to watch than be watched. Drake makes his shot and raises his arms in triumph.
    â€œYou can do it, Nielsen.” Staley claps.
    Liam starts clapping,