It is time… Two months of practice, and I’m ready to play my first game in two years. I have been dreaming of this moment for months. Practice has been a breeze; there was no competition to push me to my best.I outsize all of my team, as well as all of the other teams. My mindset was playing for the name on the back of the jersey instead of the front. This should be easy, right?
The first half started off on a negative note. With my heart thumping, I slowly approached the center of the court, meeting my game-long rival. Once again, I was bigger than my opponent; the game should go easily.
The ref clutched the ball in one hand, waiting for our approval to start the game. His hand slowly went down and, much quicker, pushed the ball up into the air. Both of us jumped into the air, swiping at the ball to win the tip. My hand collided into the ball and pushed it to my point guard, while my opponent was left with just air in his hand.
First time down the court, I call for the ball; I can easily score on this guy. I can just back him down and lay the ball up. The point hurls the ball straight at my hand. I catch the ball, and in one swift movement, push my opposition back to the hoop. With one quick pivot, I put the ball up towards the hoop, but something was wrong. The ball didn’t go in the hoop.
Halftime rolled around; I had taken an abundance of shots, but I only had 4 points, despite my efforts. My team was down, and we were frustrated. When I was in the locker room, thinking about my poor half, I realized that the win was more important than my stats.
The second half started off on a much better note; we were re energized and hungry for a win. For me,the third quarter was more about hustling and getting open shots for my teammates. By the end of the quarter, we were making a comeback, but it wasn’t enough.
The fourth quarter was when the game completely changed for me. The other team quit keying on me, leaving me with wide open shots. Even luck was on my side; the ball was bouncing in even when it shouldn’t have. Eight quick shots later, my point total was around 19, but more importantly, the team was ahead by one. With 20 seconds left and our opponent having possession of the ball, the adrenaline was pumping through our veins.
Their team was passing the ball in right under the hoop; the other center and I were fighting for position under the hoop. His teammate thought he could get the ball to his center, but I stepped in front of him, intercepting the ball. With three seconds left, all we had to do was pass the ball in.
The play starts, and all of my teammates are covered by their opponents. I called for the ball, it comes my way, and I quickly catch the ball. My first reaction is to take off down the  court to waste the remaining seconds, but my rival center came up behind me at full speed, pushing me straight into the stands. As I am falling towards the stands, I hear the buzzer go off; it’s all over.
Once I realized that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back, the game was ours. This is why I believe in the name on the front of the jersey; it teaches me that hard work and unselfish play is the only way to truly win.