Just read this one, it was by far a good book compared to others in its genre (Sports Fiction).
Here is my summary of it:
A story of a crosstown basketball rivalry gone too far, two student players looking for greatness, and a young reporter looking for the truth. The particular rivalry between the Walthorne North Middle School Cougars and the Walthorne South Middle School Panthers is one of the things that Walthorne residents appreciate most. Two renowned players are under pressure as the season gets underway: While the incredibly skilled Carter Haswell, captain of Walthorne South, is already under pressure to acquire a scholarship that would lessen his family's financial difficulties, Austin Chambers, captain of Walthorne North, feels that he isn't good enough to live up to his father's heritage. In the eyes of critics, this basketball story redefines "passion of the game." The legendary rivalry between the Walthorne North Middle School Cougars and the Walthorne South Middle School Panthers is the focal point of middle school athletics in Walthorne. Point guard Austin Chambers, who leads North, has wealthy parents who provide him all he needs to succeed, in part because his father is a legendary Penn State basketball player. The situation for Carter Haswell, the captain of South, is not ideal. Basketball is his career in his parents' eyes since an athletic scholarship may ease their financial burden. What may have been a story about the wealthy and the poor instead focuses on the detrimental impact that bad judgment, living for other people, and overt self-interest can have on the physical and emotional health of student athletes. Peer connections lead to issues: Clay's injury is worse when Austin pushes him to play a game with huge stakes. Alfie Jenks, a devoted basketball fan and aspiring journalist, learns the value of monitoring, investigation, and context when her reporting causes problems despite her best efforts. Carter's coach pushes him to cheat in class, which results in the player's suspension and the coach's departure. Egocentrism rules. When misbehavior ends their season abruptly, North and South resolve their disputes without the help of adults. The majority of the characters are White, and racism and socioeconomic position are critiqued. A key, essential reminder: Sports ought to be enjoyable!
Thank you,
Eddie
