The sounding of a whistle warned the Cubs that it was game time. They huddled together for a last-minute conference, then trotted out to their places on the floor.
“Come on, Cubs!” yelled the Den 2 rooters.
“Get in there, Pat!” shouted the Purple Five supporters. “Show ’em your stuff!”
The game started fast. The Purple Five had elected to take the south basket in the first half.
As the Cubs fully expected, the Purple Five center was inches taller than Brad. He out jumped his opponent, and easily tapped the ball to Pat in the first second of play.
Red though, was on his toes. He guarded Pat so closely that he could not pass or shoot for the basket. The referee tossed the ball between them. Red out jumped his opponent, and sent the ball bouncing toward Chub.
The boy missed it, but recovered. He hesitated, uncertain what to do.
“Shoot it to Dan!” shouted Chips from the sidelines.
Chub heard and hurled the ball. The shot was wild, but Dan made a leap into the air and caught it. The crowd roared with delight.
“Shoot! Shoot!” screamed the Den 2 rooters.