A Star Is Born What’s up man Moochie bumped James’s fi st as they met in front of the doors at school Did I just see you jump out of your grandpa’s van Yeah James pretended to catch his breath April was driving My life was fl ashing before my eyes So did Greg win the mural contest yet Moochie asked Nah He was supposed to get a letter in the mail over a week ago James rolled his eyes I’ve been hearing about the letter all week I just want to see if he won already 4
James stopped at his locker So Coach Jennings called my house He told Grandpa I may have a shot on the basketball team this year Grandpa said I could try out as long as I keep my grades up and stay out of trouble Good luck Moochie joked James reached out to hit him and missed 5
Coach Jennings called my house last night too Troy walked up and pulled books out of his locker Are you going to practice after school he asked James Of course James looked at his friends It beats getting into trouble he said half-seriously When the bell rang at the end of the school day they made their way to the basketball court at the recreation center In minutes they were teamed up and tossing a basketball around Come on Moochie James called as Moochie missed another layup You can do it Moochie cursed and chased the ball I’m just no good he said to James through clenched teeth You and Troy are the stars I’ll never be as good as you two 6
That may be true James joked But you have great speed You just need to believe in yourself They practiced an hour longer Moochie started to relax and improved his game James and the others cheered him on We knew you could do it Randy playfully punched Moochie in the arm All you needed was confi dence James added Thanks for believing in me James Moochie gave him a high-fi ve Anytime James for helping his friend Just don’t think you’ll ever be as good as me he joked felt good 7
