by John Marks
First published 2003
Marcus Thompson dribbles down the court as the crowd roars from the bleachers. The senior point guard carries his team's championship hopes on his shoulders, but the pressure extends far beyond the gymnasium walls. His single mother works double shifts to keep their apartment, while college scouts watch his every move from the stands. Marcus must navigate team rivalries, academic struggles, and family responsibilities that threaten to derail his basketball dreams. When his best friend gets caught up in neighborhood trouble, Marcus faces a choice between loyalty and his future. The season builds toward the state tournament, where one game could change everything. This story captures the weight of expectations that young athletes carry and the communities that shape them.
Genres: family-life, contemporary, sports, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, sports-romance
Paperback · Yore Publications