Saturday night’s game against Carmel had been highlighted on the schedule, since before the season started. It was a real rivalry game. As such, winning or losing usually marked the season, as a success or a failure, at least until tournament play. This time, the Greyhounds were loaded. They had lost only two seniors, Vince Henry and Zach Brammer, both starters, from last year’s squad. Ranked second in the latest pole, they had not lost a game, greatly bolstered by two summer transfers in from Jasper and Franklin. Glenn-Allen Baker and Monte Wilson were six-nine and six-seven, respectively, to go with the three returning starters. As Fate would have it, Melko Dunbar, a big seven-footer, would not play, due to a small stress fracture in his right foot. The Bearcats appeared to be in for another long night. The only team ranked ahead of Carmel was Tom Baker’s Jeffersonville Red Devils, undefeated and ranked in the top spot in the state. Coach considered it carefully. Once again, his team had very little chance of winning. Yet, the last thing that he could afford to do was to back off. They needed to continue to improve. Someone needed to step up and challenge the others, as Jordan would have done last year. It came after the walk through of Carmel’s offense, during free throws. Aaron and Michael were joking around. Coach Flagler was just about to step in and address the situation, when he was held back by a stiff arm. “Let’s watch this,” Coach suggested. Coach Flagler stepped back. A moment later, things erupted. “Hey! What are you doing?” came a voice of authority. “We don’t have time for that! We have a tough gave tonight! Even if we didn’t, we need to concentrate on what we’re doing!” “Ah, come on, Dude,” replied Michael. “We were just having some fun?” “Yeah, Gene,” Aaron disgustedly. “Aaron, if you think free throw shooting is time to joke around, maybe you should go work on your press or zone rotations!” Everyone stopped and watched in awe, as the two friends locked eyes like two bulls. Finally, Aaron lowered his head and backed down. “Come on, Mike, we’re done,” said Aaron. As they headed off to the locker room, Gene gave it to the rest of the guys. “I told you guys last night, from now on we commit to winning, nothing less! That’s not my way, it’s our way! The Bearcat way! If you don’t like it, leave!” Coach watched from the sidelines, standing alongside Coach Flagler. Neither moved a muscle, throughout Gene’s speech. “Shall I go get them?” asked Coach Flagler. “Nope. Let it go,” Coach murmured. Coach Flagler smiled. He had seen the test before and was a little curious to see how the others would react. As the moment passed, the Coaches backed up to the bleachers to talk. “That was a good call,” said Coach Flagler. “Maybe,” said Coach, thinking. “You know, these young kids have achieved a lot already, just getting through a few games.” “That’s not enough for them or this town.” “That’s true, Jonathan. But, you see, we’re seeing them face adversity, and we’re finding out how they react. Some become scared, and some become mad. And then, some go like Marquis or Jordan, regardless. You put a bobcat on Marquis’ shoulder, and he’ll nail twenty-five free throws in a row without blinking.” “That’s good,” said Coach Flagler, but—.” Coach turned and waited. “I see things, like Gene trying way too hard, which is risky for the success of the team.” “And?” “I see Gene, Walt, Marquis, and Jamal as the only ones who are serious about winning. The others are just along for the ride.” “Meaning?” “Gene’s carrying the load, even though he’s not the only leader. The others need to lead too. Marquis and Walt are too quiet, and Jamal is, heck, he is too, but they still should be leading with Gene.” “Good point. That was Jordan, all last year, to a point. He led by example, until it was time to get in someone’s face. Then, he didn’t hesitate, regardless of who it was.” “But, he had the built-in advantage of being the best player with built-in authority.” “True.” “Gene doesn’t have that. Marquis does.” “So, Gene’s carrying too much of the load, and it’s already starting to alienate the others?” “Yes.” “I understand. So, what’s your remedy?” “Spread the wealth. Install Marquis, maybe, as a leader, also. Give the other players a couple of choices, as to who they want to follow.” “Excellent point.” “Thank you,” replied Coach Flagler. “You’re welcome.” “You know, I was raised kinda well, once or twice,” added Coach Flagler. “Oh?” “Once by a smart Aunt.” “You best be a little careful there, Flagler,” Coach warned playfully. “And, once by an overbearing young coach in Virginia.” “I see. So, you’d like to see other examples provided, other than the overbearing type?” “You said it, Coach. I didn’t.” “You say way too much sometimes, without saying anything at all. You know that?” “What?” “You … way too much between the lines!” Coach mumbled, as he walked away. “Wherever there’s room, Coach!” replied the ol’ point guard. Coach threw his arms up and kept walking, until he reached the Grotto. The tendencies of the Carmel Greyhounds were racing through his head, as he fell onto the purple sofa. He needed time to think. Instead, he was overcome by sleep.
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