Phillip was a star basketball player on his high school team. He always had a lot of team spirit and he was also very competitive. He was the type of player that just didn’t want to lose.
One day at basketball practice, the coach said, “Guys, we’ve got one more game before the championship begins. So far, we are undefeated. We need to go out there and play hard. I’m counting on all of you to get the job done.”
“We will, Coach.”
“Go home and get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is one game closer to the finals.”
When Phillip got home, he told his mom and dad about the game.
“We’ve got one more game tomorrow before the championship game. I’m so nervous, and excited. We have never had a team that went undefeated. I just hope our guys are ready.”
His dad said, “I’m sure they will be. You just have to relax and concentrate on what you have to do out there on the floor.”
“I know, Dad, but I hate to lose.”
“We all do, son, but sometimes that has to happen.”
His mom said, “We will be at the game tomorrow to cheer for your team. Now, let’s sit down and have our dinner.”
After dinner, Phillip decided to go to bed.
While he was getting ready for bed, he said to himself, “I know we can win this game. Then we can go to the championship game undefeated. First time in school history. What an accomplishment. We’re going to win! We’re going to win!
He then went to bed.
The next morning at breakfast, Phillip said, “I’m all ready for the game tonight.
His dad said, “Just play the best that you can. We’ll be there to watch you.”
“Thanks.”
After school, Phillip came right home and prepared himself for the game. He said to himself, “I’m going to do great tonight and we are going to the championship.”
He then left for the game.
In the locker room, the coach gave the team a pep talk. He said, “Guys, this game is the one before the championship. So, go out there and play hard and let’s win.”
“Sure, Coach.”
They went out onto the floor to practice.
Then it was time for the game to begin.
Phillip’s team started out very strong and continued that way throughout the game. Phillip scored twenty points, rebounded and stole the ball twice. His team won the game.
Phillip said, “We’re going to the championship!”
In the locker room, the coach congratulated the team and said, “All of you did a great job out there. Phillip you are a very competitive player and it really showed. You shot the ball great and really hustled out there. You should all be proud.”
On the way home, his dad said, “We are so proud of you, Phillip. You played a great game.”
“Thanks, Dad. But, now, I’ve got to concentrate on the final game. This is for everything.”
His dad said, “I’m sure you will do just fine.”
For the next week, the team practiced every day. They all worked very hard and were ready for the big game.
The big day had finally arrived.
In the locker room, the coach said, “Remember, play hard and do your best and I know we will win this game.”
The team then went onto the court. Phillip could see his parents sitting in the stands. He smiled at them and continued onto the floor.
The game was about to begin. The referee threw the ball up in the air and Phillip’s team got it and Phillip ran down the court and scored.
The game went back and forth with each team scoring after the other one did.
Halftime came, and the teams were tied.
In the locker room, the coach said, “You guys are doing great. You’re all hustling and rebounding. Phillip, you’re going a great job. Keep up the good work.”
It was time for the second half to begin. Phillip’s team went back on the court. Both teams were playing a very physical and committed several fouls. Phillip was really hustling out there.
Time was running down. Phillip’s team was leading by one point. They called a time out. The coach said, “There are thirty seconds left. Guard the inbound pass, and whatever you do, don’t foul.”
The other team inbounded the ball. They ran the clock down to five seconds. Just as one of the players was going to shoot, a whistle blew. There was a foul called. But, who was it on? There were two players near the guy that was shooting the ball, and one of them was Phillip.
The referee called the foul on Phillip. His jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe it! He said to himself, “Not me. I didn’t foul him. The other guy did. Now, if he makes both shots, we lose.”
The first shot was good. It was a tie game. Phillip held his breath. The next shot was also good and time had expired. The game was over, and Phillip’s team lost.
Phillip went off the court with his head down.
In the locker room, the coach said, “You all showed a lot of skill and guts out there. Even though we lost, I am proud of each of you and all of you should be proud of yourselves.”
Phillip said, “That foul was not my fault. I know that. It should have been called on the other guy. It’s not fair. We should have won.”
The coach said, “The rest of time team can leave. I need to talk to Phillip. Phillip, you are a great basketball player, but you need to learn how to lose. You are probably the most competitive player that I’ve ever had on my team.”
“But, I know we should have won.”
“That’s what you might think. But, the referee called it differently. You have to accept that. Just remember, you played a great game and I’m very proud of you and I’m sure everyone else is.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
As he was walking away, he smiled and turned to the coach and said, “You can’t win them all, Coach. You can’t win them all.”
By Debbie Bongiovanni
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