Lessons on the Basketball Court

The basketball player had just hit the wall behind the basket after a missed layup. Head first into the cement wall, he fell to the floor. The game was stopped, the paramedics arrived quickly, and he was rolled out to the waiting ambulance.

Before the game resumed, both teams met for prayer, then continued to play until the last buzzer sounded the end of the game.

The incident happened recently at one of our boy’s basketball games. The injured player came out okay. But I didn’t. In a good way.

We had been losing badly again, which we should, playing high school teams with our 7th, 8th, and 9th grade boys with little to no basketball experience.

The moment we walked back on the court, the moment the boys of Bios hustled to their defensive positions awaiting the second half onslaught which was heading their way, that moment was as much of a slow motion moment as I have ever experienced. The kind they show in movies to allow you to observe the amazing special effects. But there were no special effects - just life.

The memories of the accident, praying, a few conversations between the opposing teams after the prayer – all rushed at me.

This group of eight boys, young and desirous of winning any game, not once hesitated to do their best or the right thing that night.

I am messing this up already. How do I describe their concern for the fallen foe? Their lack of hesitancy in being outmuscled outplayed and outscored by over forty points. Heads bowed, shoulders rounded under the bright orbs of the lights. Instead of complaints, hope beyond hope, their faces intense as prayer was offered. These thoughts and more flashed in my mind as I watched the second half begin.

Blessed am I to be associated with such a fine and promising team.