Patty Takes Charge

When training finished and Coach Clarke walked over to talk to one of the parents, Manu ran up to me. “Just come and shoot some hoops with us,” he said. “You don’t have to move around.”

I was so sick of watching from the sideline that I couldn’t resist. At first I just stood beneath the basket, passing the rebounds back to my team and taking the odd shot. Then, as Tyson approached the basket, without thinking I started to guard, shuffling across to block his path.

When he dodged, I followed. And then I felt another sharp pain in my ankle.

The pain took my breath away. I tried to make my way back to the bench without anyone noticing, especially Coach Clarke. I was scared that my chances of playing in the tournament were really ruined this time.