Personal Narrative: I Believe In Success

As if time was slowed down, the feeling of something unimaginable, was captured in one simple moment. Seeing people erupt with excitement, as a team that never thought we would make it, we sure made it. Stepping out on a court to play the game we would never forget.

With the Christmas tournament aside, we entered the post-season without a loss. We had a plan for each playoff game from districts to regional. We never deviated from the plan, keeping our eye on the target –

Walking out onto the opponent’s brightly lit turf field setting up for the kickoff of the second half just gave me the feeling that everybody knows, my hair starts to stand up, butterflies began to flutter in my stomach, and everything seems to slow down. Looking into the stands and seeing that our hometown fans had traveled four hours in order to outdo the home crowd gave me a sense of comfort. Looking into East Jefferson’s stands and seeing that our fans, despite having to travel all the way down south, outnumbered their fans by at least 70 people. I found myself thinking that this meant just as much to our town as it did to our school and team. This feeling would be just the motivation we needed in order to finish this game

Our team went undefeated for our first 16 games, and then our 17th game we had our first tie. We were used to killed the team we tied to, but that proves if you don’t come ready not everything is going to go your way. Some of the kids kind of took it the wrong way. We won 14 more games after that and kept playing strong. Then we had our final playoff game to see who was going to state or not.

In 2016, more than ever, the team was committed to and had one goal of winning. One of our biggest rivals was St. John’s College High School (SJCHS). My doubles partner and I played the last match of the WCAC championships against SJCHS. During the season, SJCHS was one of the hardest competitors we faced but walking onto the court on the final day of championships, my partner and I knew we would fight and win. After 45 minutes, I hit an ace and we won the match that put us in the lead to win the championships. October 30, 2016 was the single most exciting and overwhelming day for the team all season. Everyone’s hard work paid off.

It was 7:00 in the morning when we arrived at the Johnston City High School. Once everyone arrived at the high school, we got on the bus and headed off to Benton. As we stepped foot on the bus, we all sat there quietly, nervous about the results of this game. This was the game that determined whether or not we went on to state. Coach Simon and Coach Shane gave us one of their what we like to call "before the game warm-up talks". We were all nervous of course, but we were all determined to win this game. We had been looking forwards to winning regionals and going to state the whole season and that day was the day that we gave us the opportunity to go to state. After the thirty minute bus ride, we finally got to Benton and once we got there,

Our 8th grade basketball team were putting on a show! Opponents would enter bobcat territory where our team would play a hard fight to take another win. Every game spectators are left in astonishment after witnessing determination, willingness, and our spirit until the clock expires down to its last second.

Going into this tournament we did not have very high expectations considering the other two teams we had to play were ranked in the top 20 when were ranked in the 90s. Our first game would be considered the toughest because we had to play the tenth ranked team in the nation. But shockingly we ended winning the game. Our next game we unfortunately lost and were knocked out of contention for nationals. Even though we weren’t able to make it to nationals it was still a very fun and successful season.

We never had a chance against them. While our team isn't bad, but those were the region state champs, and most people who

The Delaware State University staff announced the beginning of the award ceremony. The room fell silent as they unveiled the trophies, our entire team hoped for the best. Mouths were gaped wide open at the sight of them. Everyone in the room could feel the tension rising. Name after name, trophy after trophy was handed out to the awarded teams and after each one, our hope diminished, slowly, agonizingly, like something we thought was so close yet every moment that passed it felt farther and farther away. The number of trophies were slimming as we got closer and closer to the end we were grabbing at whatever hope we could.

I personally know about all of the time that goes into learning the different plays, so it’s a great feeling when they get a close win. Whether it’s the beginning of the season or near the end, it was rewarding to see them practice as if it was the last time they will ever play together. Everyone gives their own one-hundred percent, not what others think should be their percent. Even if they face the easiest of teams, everyone puts in the same amount of effort and expects the same results. Rewarding as all of the state appearances and championships are, seeing the hard work the team puts in is the icing on the cake. Knowing that I’m there to support them and hearing the state champions announcement puts into perspective how wonderful the team

Their dribbling down the court they shoot they score the winning points, that’s what makes my team happy. Basketball isn’t just dribbling a ball it’s rules, teamwork, and lots of fun.

The team was ready, we had been working extremely hard for the past seven months for this. We were all in great shape and very rested. A few of the returning players were meeting me at my house to carpool to the final game of the state championship tournament. Everyone knew that the hard work had paid off when we won the semi-final game the preceding day.

As fans, we keep coming back for more, though, hoping this time it will be different. We have stuck with our team; we have seen their ups and downs. Through it all, though, we keep painting our faces and waiting for the start of the game. Once the game starts, we cheer and yell, but most of all, we are nervous. After all, this is a high stakes game. It is the last chance our team has at redemption from a terrible losses. The game is going great. We are pumped up by the great plays and perfect execution, and we hope and pray nothing goes wrong before the buzzer sounds. Counting down the time from ten seconds, we know our team has done it. This is why we love the game. The celebration with those around us is like nothing else. We know this rivalry, championship, or even just a regular game is something big. We cannot help but think we knew it all along. As we wash off the face paint, change out of our sport’s apparel, and wait for the next gameday, we know it is never going to be the same. This feeling of great accomplishment is like none other. That is why we are fans of the

I’ve been playing basketball ever since I can remember. Basketball has and always will be a huge part of my life. I’ve been on so many different basketball teams. Through good and bad times we have developed a sort of family bond.