Jake Maddox: On Guard

Jake Maddox: On Guard — page 3 — Chapter 1 SMITH SMITHEREENS On the last weekend of the summer a banner hung across the gate at the entrance to Harding County Park just outside of Westfield The big sign read Smith Family Reunion Just past the gate dozens of cars were parked in the lot There were sedans new and old station wagons covered in bumper stickers SUVs some shiny some covered in mud And just past the lot near the picnic tables cousins Trey and Pete Smith were leaning back on

Jake Maddox: On Guard — page 4 — their bench Each boy was holding a paper cup They were taking a break from their basketball game Ready eighth grader Trey asked He crushed his paper cup in his hand then threw it into a nearby garbage can Two points Pete who was in sixth grade took a long drink from his own cup Ahh he said Grandma's lemonade is so good Then he jumped up crushed his cup and shot it toward the garbage can It went in I'm ready Pete said Together the two boys walked out of the shade and headed over to the basketball courts Most of the other Smith family boys and several of the girls were hanging around Some were just watching but others were taking some shots

Jake Maddox: On Guard — page 5 — Look out everybody We're back Trey announced So any more challengers Pete added The Smith Smithereens are ready to play some more two on two Pete though he wasn't the oldest cousin was one of the best basketball players in the family And when he teamed up with Trey like he always did no one could beat them We'll take you two on a voice said Trey and Pete turned around It was Uncle Rob and his daughter Jessa Jessa and I have been practicing Uncle Rob added Trey and Pete laughed and high fived each other No problem Trey said He called over to one of his cousins for the ball Let's do it Uncle Rob and Jessa started with the ball Rob was much taller than both boys and Jessa who was fifteen was as tall as Trey

Jake Maddox: On Guard — page 6 — Still when Rob took his first shot Pete jumped up and knocked the ball right into Trey's hands Ha Pete shouted That was a nice shot Uncle Rob Trey drove the ball fast up the court and scored an easy two points Rob and Jessa looked at each other and rolled their eyes but that didn't stop Trey and Pete The cousins continued to shoot and score After every basket block or steal the two Smith boys would high five and holler They felt great and they quickly had an unbeatable lead

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