On the Devil's Court

The school holds a massive pep rally with lots of congratulations. Joe wonders if, now that the regular season and his deal with the devil are over, he will go back to the amateurish play that preceded the season. Because of the pace of the previous game and the injuries sustained by several players, Raible has a relaxed practice. Joe and John shoot three games of horse after everyone leaves, and John wins all three, saying, “You’re losing your touch” (175). Arriving home after practice, Joe sees his father and spontaneously hugs him. Dr. Faust informs him that he has been released to attend Joe’s game. Looking at a family album, they see a photo of Midnight, their cat who disappeared years earlier on the Fourth of July.

The next day at practice, Joe discovers that his ability to shoot the ball is gone. He can still pass and run the team, but he cannot make any outside shots. He stays after practice to try to get his shot back without success. John tells him to relax and not practice too much, saying, “Your shot will be there when you need it” (177). John predicts they are going to win, adding, “I know you don’t believe it, but we are” (178).