Manning inbounded to Eddie to start the half. Then, while Eddie dribbled around the perimeter, drawing defenders, Manning faked to the outside, then drifted toward the basket and set up in the low post, just like we’d practiced. And, just like in practice, Eddie faked right, reversed left, and executed a smooth pass over the defense. Manning caught the pass, pivoted into the paint, and put the ball through the hoop. Two points. Four seconds into the first half, and Stuckey was on the board. And even though we were playing in our underwear, even though we were the biggest embarrassment the town had ever endured, Stuckey fans cheered. They couldn’t help themselves. This was the Basketball Capital of Kansas, after all, and the citizens had to root for their team. Even Mrs. Zimmer. Her face was still purple with rage. But she clapped. Whipple inbounded. Their point guard dribbled down-court, Eddie in his face the whole way. The guard broke left. Ran into Eddie. Swung right. Eddie was there.
