Summer Ball

After receiving a compliment from Josh Cameron, Danny feels “some of his old confidence coming back” (206). Cameron even guesses who Danny’s father is, as he claims both players show the same cleverness on the court. Coach Powers agrees when Cameron describes Danny as one to watch. Later, the boys discuss the finals brackets, with Danny figuring a way to face off against Lamar for the championship.

That night, Danny phones home; he speaks to his mother, but his father still refuses to talk to him. His mother, Ali, assures Danny his father has calmed down, reminding Danny “‘He just needs longer to work through things than most people’” (207). Danny tells his mother about his fight with Lamar, fearing she will be disappointed. To this, Ali tells Danny he did the right thing in defending Zach. Ali plans to join Danny at camp on Saturday, for the championship game, already assuming Danny will make it to the finals.

To begin the playoffs, Danny’s team faces the Bulls, who lost their last round on purpose to play the Celtics for an easy win. Coach Powers puts Danny in to guard a big, bruising player and “[s]omehow […] Danny held his own” (211).