On the Devil's Court

The following week is consumed with semester finals. Joe is frustrated for two reasons. First, his father is on him the whole week to study for the exams while simultaneously wanting him to read a thick SAT study guide. Second, basketball games and practices are barred during the week of finals. Serendipitously, the materials Joe reviewed and studied are precisely the things that keep showing up on his exams, including an essay comparing Scrooge to Faustus. He realizes that he has a chance for straight A grades for the first time. He does not believe it is simply good luck.

On Saturday afternoon, Joe goes to the outdoor court to shoot baskets. Ross shows up and they play one-on-one, with Ross winning five straight games, after which it begins to mist. Joe hoped they would talk out their differences but comes to realize basketball is all they’ll ever have. As they walk home, Ross asks Joe if his mother really has naked men in their home.

Once practice resumes on Monday, Raible elevates Joe from shooting guard to point guard, meaning he will run the team’s offense. He immediately commits himself to learn their individual capabilities. They play their first league game the following Sunday.