Drama on the parquet

t is the final game of the regular season and pits the home team against their traditional rivals. This is always a good game, but there is more than usual on the line tonight; only the winner goes on to the state tournament.

The crowd quiets as the announcer asks all to rise for the national anthem. A young lady steps to the microphone. She is a senior, a soprano in the concert choir and a candidate for class valedictorian. If she’s nervous about performing in front of this crowd, it doesn’t show in her voice. A chill inches up your spine as she reaches for the high notes and nails them with awe-inspiring clarity.

The excitement ratchets up notch after notch as the announcer calls out the lineups for tonight’s game. The noise is deafening as the final home team starter is announced and runs onto the floor. These kids have played their hearts out this year and are determined to redouble their efforts for this game; nobody wants the season to end tonight.

Continued...