“Utah,” Abby shouts
as she dribbles across half-court.
Mary spins around
and screens my man.
I explode off the screen,
and Abby passes the basketball.
I catch, turn, and look at the rim.
A defender rushes up
and attempts to steal the ball.
I scan the floor
and spot a direct path
to the basket.
I jab right,
then swing the ball across my body,
and dribble to the block. 
My heart races as I execute the lefty layup:
right, left, right,
and flick my left wrist.

The ball hits the top, left corner
of the backboard
and falls in the net.

I release the breath I had been holding in.
I glance up at the scoreboard
and watch as two points are added for my team.
I smile in delight
as satisfaction races through my veins?
satisfaction in playing the sport I love.