Jake Maddox: Playing Forward

Jake Maddox: Playing Forward — page 5 — He smiled as he pumped his fist Isaac and his dad jumped to their feet and cheered with everyone else Hey Dad Isaac said over the roar of the crowd Look at that He pointed across the court at a small group of girls His dad squinted across the court Those girls he said What about them Wait a second Isaac said A moment later as the girls jumped and cheered they turned around and faced the crowd screaming and shouting Then Dad saw the backs of their shirts Each shirt had one word across the top of their backs just like Eli's jersey ROTH Dad laughed Well now I've seen everything he said My son has his own cheerleaders Isaac laughed too He didn't want to admit that he was jealous He loved basketball too and was even pretty good

Jake Maddox: Playing Forward — page 6 — But at only five feet and four inches tall he couldn't make impressive shots and dunks like his brother could Do you think I'll ever be as good as Eli he asked his dad You're a great basketball player Isaac Dad replied Thanks Isaac said But I'm so short especially compared to Eli I'll never be able to do the things he does Dad put an arm around his younger son's shoulders You're only thirteen Isaac Dad said gently You'll get taller After all Eli wasn't always as tall as he is now Isaac didn't say anything but he thought Yeah but he was always way taller than me Before long the game was over Eli had scored a total of 34 points more than any other player

Jake Maddox: Playing Forward — page 7 — Total strangers were clapping him on the back and giving him high fives as he left the court Isaac even saw the girls in the ROTH jerseys run over and give him hugs and kiss his cheek Are we going to wait for Eli to get changed Isaac asked his dad Of course Dad said But let's wait outside where it's cool It's hot in that gym The two of them leaned against their car to wait for Eli The sun was down and the night was a cool relief after the stuffy gymnasium Tryouts are next week for the middle school team Isaac said Are you excited Dad asked Isaac shrugged Yeah I guess he said But I'm nervous too Ah you'll make the team no sweat Dad said

Jake Maddox: Playing Forward — page 8 — But I want to start Isaac said I want to be the starting power forward like Eli Well Dad said I'm sure you'll make the starting five Any position would be great right Isaac didn't say anything Just then Eli pushed through the heavy metal double doors on the side of the gym Hey Eli called as he walked up Great game all star Dad said The three of them climbed into the car Eli sat in the front and Isaac got into the back seat Isaac was just saying tryouts for the middle school team are next week Dad said as they drove toward home Oh yeah Eli said looking back at Isaac Is Coach Turnbull still the man down there Yup Isaac said leaning forward He coached

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