Hoop Star’s Opening Night

A Hostile Environment

Photo By Canva Pro

We are on our way to the first game of the season against our cross-town rival, New Hope Middle. The bus is quiet, nervous energy fills the air. The only sounds: the noisy bus engine and the rattling of windows after each bump in the road.

I’m now a 7th grader, finally old enough to play at Carver after spending the entire 6th grade in Purgatory. Too young to play at the middle school, but too old for the Spindale House Rec League.

I turn my pain to a gain, working day and night, night and day. The rain would come, the snow would fall, and the heat would swelter. Mother Nature brought all four seasons. I could finally try out, make the squad, become a starter, and now ready to show the world my basketball skills.

I had dress rehearsals at the Playground and Projects of Forest City. The Hall in Rutherfordton and the Carver Ballfield in Spindale. Opening night is upon us.

I’m representing the school from my Hood. Carver Middle is located just off Ledbetter Road. The games are official, they all count. Cold chills tingle my spine,and tears fill my eyes. We’re playing with real refs, time, and scorekeepers.

As a 6 foot, 7th grade, point guard. I’m a Hoop Star and Hood Legend before my first middle school game. The hope of Small Town Friendly…