You're not sure what these odd feelings are, but you manage to leave them in the locker room.
During practice, it's like you're on a whole different level; you're completely focused and in the zone! You manage 10 more sit-ups than you usually do, and 15 more pushups. When it's time to run laps, you get so far in the lead that you almost lap someone! The coach seems really impressed, and cheers you on for putting in so much effort.
The first thing that goes a bit wrong are your shots. After warming up, coach has the team pair off and play HORSE to practice shooting. You do alright, but some of your shots are a bit...off. The angle's wrong, and you overshoot a lot. On the bright side, during a layup you manage to swipe your whole hand through the net! You've never managed that before.
"Look who's working on their jump!" Mark hooted from the sidelines. "Planning to start dunking next year?"
You blush a bit, then shake your head and get back in the game. Focus!
After practice is over, you're starving and your feet hurt. They must have swollen up a bit from how hard you were playing, because you have to undo all of the laces on your shoes...all of them!...to get them off. Your jockstrap is pinching a bit too, you thought with a grin. Wishful thinking again. Though you think your happy trail is starting to get darker, as you shower off.
You have to leave your shoes mostly unlaced to get them back on, and even then you feel a pinch. Definitely time for new shoes, you think with a grin. Not too surprising; you got this pair for your birthday almost six months ago, but at least this means you're probably still growing!
You bring up the shoes to your dad at dinner; he gives you a grin as he plops a THIRD helping down in front of you.
"I figured you'd be asking soon." He said. "With you asking for extra food and sleeping at, what, 8 yesterday?"
"Nine," you yawn out. You blink...you are tired, and it's closer to eight today.
"Ahuh..." Your dad smiles. "I know how much you love basketball, so I guess this is a good sign; maybe you'll make a college team someday." He waves his hand over your head teasingly.
"Right..." you duck away as he moves to rustle your hair and head towards your bed. "And watch it! You won't like it if I'm rustling your hair someday!"
"That's the spirit!" Your dad laughs as he starts the dishes. "Reach for the stars!"
As you drift off to sleep, you think you'll be reaching for more than that!