Blake's Big Bounce

Blake loves to play basketball in his driveway. He dribbles the orange ball with a steady rhythm. Thump, thump, thump goes the bouncy ball.

Mom watches him play from the front porch. "You are getting very good, Blake!" she cheers loudly. "You should join the team at the park."

The next day, Blake walks to the big park. He sees a tall man with a whistle. "I am Coach Sam," the man says kindly.

Coach Sam gives Blake a bright blue jersey. "Welcome to the Blue Jays," says a girl named Mia. She spins a basketball on her finger.

The team practices passing the ball every afternoon. They run fast and help each other learn. Blake makes many new friends on the court.

Finally, the day of the big game arrives! The Blue Jays are playing the Green Giants. The other team looks very tall and strong.

The whistle blows and the game begins quickly. Leo from the Green Giants grabs the ball first. He runs very fast toward the hoop.

The Green Giants score a point. Oh no! Blake feels sad and hangs his head low. He thinks they might lose the big game.

Coach Sam calls the team in for a huddle. "Do not give up," he says softly. "If you work together, you can win!"

Blake nods and runs back onto the court. Mia has the ball and sees Blake open. She passes the ball right to his hands.

Blake dribbles past Leo with a quick move. He sees the hoop in front of him. He takes a deep breath and jumps high.

The ball flies through the air in a high arc. Everyone holds their breath. SWISH! The ball goes right through the net.

The Blue Jays cheer loudly and hug Blake. They won the game! Even Leo shakes Blake's hand. "Good game," Leo says with a smile.

Blake walks home feeling proud and happy. He loves his new team. He cannot wait to play basketball again tomorrow.