“Okay, let’s have two more guys out there,” said. coach. Julian moved stiffly to the sidelines and glare out at the court.
How come the coach got on my case like that? I wondered. This isn’t a game. It isn’t even an important practice session. It’s the first day, that’s all!
Okay, Julian admitted to himself, I didn’t hustle. But Coach Valenti knows I’ll be there when it’s crunch time!
In this angry frame of mind, Julian watched the rest of the team go through the drill. He wasn’t impressed by what he saw. This bunch wasn’t anywhere near as good as the Tornadoes of last season. He was going to have to carry them on his back, and they would probably lose anyway.
And what was the deal with Grady? The point guard kept on talking it up, clapping his hands, being a cheerleader. What for? Julian found his mood getting worse and worse. As practice continued, Julian’s performance became less and less energetic.
When the session ended, the coach spoke to the team, sounding surprisingly cheerful and optimistic.
Julian was startled at first but decided that the coach had to give the impression that everything was going well, even when it clearly wasn’t.
“Okay,” Coach Valenti said, “I think we have the makings of a solid team here. See you all tomorrow, same time, same place.”
As the Tornadoes headed for the locker room, Julian hung back, unwilling to join in the talking and joking of his teammates. Grady came over to him.
Comprehension Questions
1. What is the name of the basketball team?
A. Cyclones
B. Twisters
C. Tornadoes
2. How long has Julian and his teammates been practicing together?
A. This was their first practice
B. Half way through the season
C. Last practice of the season
A. This was their first practice
B. Half way through the season
C. Last practice of the season
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.