by Jeff Smith

It was only one possession, why must my coach scream? My poor defense permitted the basket, but what can one hoop mean?

As the pass comes my direction, and I fumble it in the stands, the coach's voice rings loud and clear, "Catch with your eyes and hands!"

C'mon coach, it's a single possession. Our team will be okay. It's just the first two minutes. My gosh, we've got all day!

Later in the half I remember, that the center is strong and stout. A put back for two is quite simply due, to my failure to turn and box out!

But it was only one possession. I didn't commit a crime. My team is ahead and I'm playing well, and there's still plenty of time!

As the halftime buzzer is sounding, and I watch the ball bank in, I know I will hear from my loving coach, of my questionable effort to defend.

But it was only one possession. Coach, don't have a heart attack! We are down by one, but we are having fun, and I know we'll get the lead back!

The second half mirrors the first. But it's early. It's not a big deal, that my failure to use a pass fake, results in an unlikely steal.

But quickly I sink a jumper. I'm greeted by high fives and slaps. But the next possession I give up a lay-up, while suffering a mental lapse.

But, it's only one possession. C'mon coach, chill out! It's crazy to you see you disgusted, as you slap the assistant and shout.

"Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes. Single possessions are the key. So treat them like gold and do as you're told. And, play with intensity."

I step to the line for one and one, but I'm having a concentration lapse. The ball soars through the air, but good Lord, it's a brick, and I'm afraid the support will collapse.

In post game I sit at my locker, pondering what more I could do. I realize now the value of each possession. For what a shame, we lost by two!