The Dream That Never Lived

Cash Back?

Kevin Griner's 8th grade school year is now underway but there is one other thing he is mostly

concerned about;basketball season. Basketball season is Kevin's favorite time of the year, despite his unconditional love for summer.

"Its finally that time" Kevin whispers as he spots the "8th grade Basketball Tryouts" poster in front

of Lainey High School.

Kevin entered the local Lainey High Tigers basketball gym and with humorous enthusiasm, he gave his former 7th grade teammates friendly nods along with firm handshakes. All of that was put to the side when Kevin set eyes on the directors that would decide his spot on the 8th grade Junior Lainey Tiger's roster. All jokes and friendliness were instantly put away in which conducted a new mood that came across his body. Some call it the "grind mood." Kevin searched and soon grasped a TF-1000 basketball with an serious look on his muscular face. He took three forceful dribbles to test out the ball's grip and air level. The ball was just right and was the exact same ball that he had just recently ordered from CASHLETICS.com (his favorite website). Out of maturity, Kevin calmly jogged straight to the hoop for an effortless layup. He was feeling great and had all faith in making the team.

**45 Minutes Later**

After an intense 10 minutes if continuous cycles, one of the directors named Tom Sarmiento blew his whistle to signal the boys to stop.

Tom briefly explained the upcoming drill. "Before we do the drill, get a quick drink guys" he shouts to the players. Kevin thanked Tom in his head and proceeded to the nearest water bubbler to cure his desert dry cotton mouth. A minute went by and all the boys were setting up for the next drill. Kevin was in his assigned position on the left elbow ready to show what he's got. Tom obnoxiously blew his whistle in symbolism to begin. Kevin's heart started to beat at crazy speeds as he rose up for his first elbow jump shot. The first shot fell easily through the pearl white net. He shuffled to the right elbow and squared up for another shot and banked it off the glass. Kevin began gathering a rhythm and most of all confidence.

**20 Minutes Later**

In conclusion of tryouts, Tom Sarmiento split the boys into four groups for two separate scrimmages. Kevin's heart was then rushing even more. He knew then that he must REALLY prove himself.

In the first play, he walked the ball down the court so he could have time to direct everyone to their appropriate places on the court. Coming up the court, he realized that his good friend Erik Strauss was guarding him. Erik was a 5'8 center with a small chance of staying with Kevin while Kevin was going off the dribble, plus Kevin was about three inches shorter (5'5) which made Erik have to stay a lot lower than comfortable. In fault of Erik, he was playing off of Kevin which in effect, Kevin stepped up, pulled up, and sunk the open three pointer. As Kevin ran back on defense, he raised up the three symbol on his fingers and knocked them against his sweaty head. Now Kevin knew he was getting going. After Kevin's phenomenal defensive stop, he sprinted up the court to the left corner and called for the ball. His other good friend, James Romante, firmly shot the ball towards Kevin. Kevin clutched the ball and pump faked while Erik was closing out. In continuation of his pump fake, Kevin drove towards the hoop and pulled the ball back to get Erik off balance. In an unfairly quick motion, Kevin slashed right back to the hoop which resulted in a superb and 1 double clutch reverse layup.

In the ending of the highly intense scrimmage, they all shook each other's sweaty hands. Kevin's stats looked good for the scrimmage and best of all, he was pleased with his performance. He ended the scrimmage with 15 points (6-8 shooting), 5 assists, 10 rebounds and 4 ridiculous blocks along with 2 steals. "It was a day to remember" Kevin thought. "I must be THE Kevin Griner!" jokes Kevin.