I lace up my shoes, and
tuck in my jersey
I Listen to Coach Sconsa preach while scribbling plays on the board.
As the smell of the Expo marker lingers through the air,
my mind tries to wander.
However, knows it needs to focus on one thing: basketball
The team lines up at the door,
and sprints down the hallway banging on the lockers as a pregame ritual.
I jog onto the court and see the stands are filled with fans adorned in blue and gold,
but that is the last time I notice the crowd.
The announcer presents the starting line-ups.
The team stands together, hands locked
as the National Anthem is sung.
My palms begin sweating as I squeeze my teammate’s hand out of nervousness.
We huddle together and discuss the opening play.
The referee blows his whistle signaling the start of the game.
The jitters exit my body, as the ball is thrown in the air.
I no longer need to be nervous,
I am in the place where I feel the most at home,
The basketball court.