“One play can determine the course of a game. One play can change your momentum forever.”

“One play can change your momentum forever.”

“Rowdy and I played one-on-one for hours. we played until dark. we played until the streetlights lit up court. we played until the bats swooped down at our heads. we played until the moon was huge and golden and perfect in the dark sky.we didn't keep score.”

“More and more, he heard his spine playing stick games through his skin, singing old dusty words, the words of all his years.”

“Nervous means you want to play. Scared means you don't want to play.”

“Yep, my daddy was an undependable drunk. But he'd never missed any of my organized games, concerts, plays, or picnics. He may not have loved me perfectly, but he loved me as well as he could. (189)”

“Funny how a little politeness can change people's minds.”