When I was a sophomore in high school, I was asked to play for a mostly upperclassman team in the school basketball tournament.  It was an all Asian team.  I suggested that we be called the “Fighting C—-nks.”  The rest of the team loved it and we entered the tournament as such.  The principal also found it funny but changed it to “Fighting Men.”  

In any case, we are matched up with a team that predictably underestimate us and laughs before the game when they see us warmup.  But they weren’t that good and we handle them relatively easily.

During the game, I block their captain’s shot and I say “Get that shit out of here.”  You would think all hell exploded.  The benches clear but cooler heads prevail.  I end up shaking hands with him and we both apologize to each other.

In the second round, we play a team with legitimately good players.  We lose but it’s close.  I even score.  This time, I do not block any shots but I do foul hard.  You have to make sure each basket is earned.

The next two years, I would lead teams as underdogs.  We always put up a fight.  I learned so much from these games.  Make the stand.  Make it hard for the other team.  Even if you know you’ll probably lose, you somehow still hope and believe.  Take the shot – open, contested.  Take it.  You’ll never have the chance again.  The games aren’t forever.