Tryouts

The new semester was beginning and I was very anxious about it. Tryouts for the basketball team were going to commence this semester and because of that, my nerves were building. Despite all of the training I had undergone, I still was worried that I wouldn't be able to make it on the basketball team. I yearned to be a part of my high school's team but I was uncertain if my skills were adequate to be recognized by the coach. I was filled with concern which had affected me during my morning periods.

When my friends and I had gathered at lunch they recognized my tension and attempted to dissolve my stress. "Bro, what's up? You're acting weird." "Well the basketball tryouts are after school today and I'm nervous about it." "Well that's understandable but I've seen you play so I'm certain that you will ace tryouts." "Sam's right. You have worked hard so I believe you can do it. So have more confidence in yourself, Ken." "Well the girls said it dude and we'll be cheering for you." Knowing how supportive my friends were caused all of my concerns to disappear. I had became psyched up for the tryouts.

During my afternoon periods, all I thought about was basketball. At that moment I just wanted the school to come to an end for the day so I could prepare. After what had seemed like an eternity for me the bell rang dismissing us. I rushed out of the door and went to put on my P.E gear. As I approached the court with my friends I was met with intimidating energy. I glanced at all the determined students that filled the court. Each of them desired to join the team and some of them worked harder than I did. I experienced mixed emotions.

Part of me was concerned but the other contrasted it with the feeling of excitement. Except for my basketball trainer, I didn't test my skills against other players but this was a good opportunity to do so. My friends encouraged me to step onto the court with confidence. I decided to listen to their advice and did exactly so. On closer inspection, I realized a good amount of the other students were nervous. I felt at ease knowing that I wasn't the only participant that let his or her nerves get the better of him or her.

Complete silence became the result as the coach of the team stepped onto the court who was followed by the captain and vice-captain. Their presences were extremely terrifying. "Hello, you can address me as Coach or Coach Stokes. The captain will describe how we'll be assessing the tryouts. Take over Ross." "My name is Ross Taylor. I'm a senior here at this high school and I'm here today to monitor you all play and decide which of you all will be chosen to join the team based on your overall performances. That's all, vice-captain do you have anything to add?" "Not really." "Then with that, the vice-captain and captain will assign you your teams."

Tension filled the air since we didn't have a chance to practice together and even if we did they were randomly choosing teams so we were totally unprepared. I had fun watching the others play and it was a nice opportunity to see if I could use their styles of playing to improve mine. In due course time, my team's turn to play had arrived. I tried to ignore my nerves and focus on playing. Our test was a normal basketball game. Sadly, my team was behind by six points by the end of the third quarter.

During my last break before the final quarter continued I attempted to recuperate. I was heavily breathing and sweat profusely dripped off of my skin. This was definitely the most intense session I had played in basketball. I had peered back at my friends and they were cheering me on. Adrenaline began flowing through my body and I was ready to play once more. I blocked as many shots as I could and made sure I assisted my teammates well enough so they had the best chance to score. We were making a comeback and we kept persisting until the end.

In the ultimate seconds of the game, we just needed 3 more points to win but our best shooters were being marked so I wasn't capable of passing the ball to them. I had to collect all the courage I had and endeavored to make my first three-pointer shot. I took a deep breath and took the shot. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make the shot so I had my eyes closed just in case. Somehow, I made the shot. My team immediately thanked and commended me for making the winning shot and soon tryouts were finished. After the adrenaline faded, I felt overbearing soreness in all my joints and limbs.

"I could take you home if you want dude." "Nah I'm fine. I'll just rest for a bit before I start walking." "I don't think it's a good idea for you to be walking home by yourself." "Then I could make sure he gets home safely." "Thanks but then you would get home late Yumi." "I don't mind." "Just accept her offer bro." "But…" Samantha stared at me causing me to be a bit intimidated. "Sure I'll take you up on that Yumi." "Well, Sam and I should get going. Later!" "Bye guys." We said our goodbyes before they left for home.

"You were amazing out there. I'm not that into sports but it was fun to watch you out there." Her compliment had me blushing. "Thanks but I'm not that good, we were barely able to take the win so there's much more room for improvement." "That may be so but still you're great at basketball in my opinion." "Thanks. I appreciate that." We decided to talk for a bit while the pain died down gradually. She aided me with walking on the way home so I would have to experience less pain which I was grateful for. "That's my house. Sorry again for making you help me get home Yumi." "Don't worry Ken. I'm glad I could help at all."

I rang the doorbell and after waiting for a little while my mother opened the door. "Are you okay Kenny dear?" "Yeah, I'm just a bit sore from the tryouts." "I'll go get some ice for you then." She then stared at Ayumi. "Who is this?" "This is my new friend Yumi, she offered to help me get home." "Oh, thank you so much, Yumi." "No problem." She handed me over to my mom. "Well cya, Ken." "Make sure you get home safe." "Don't worry I will." She left for home leaving me in the care of my mother. "She is cute, do you like her?" "No, she's just a friend. Can I please get some ice?" "Ok, I'll be right back."

I tried to change the conversation since I wasn't sure what exactly I felt for Ayumi but I knew for sure that I appreciated her and enjoyed her company. After icing my limbs and joints I had a nice long bath. It was a nice relief to feel that nice cold water after a very long day. Following me checking up on Ayumi I fell asleep. I was a bit restless as I was awaiting the results from the tryouts which I would be informed of the next day.