"A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 12th, 2014 - Later after gameday...

We returned to Polk following the win against Aaron Burr. I wandered around the parking lot despondent thinking about my mom and at the same time matters were worst because I had no ride home because Wright State had a game today at Miami so my dad was all the way in Oxford. Odis never went straight home after anything anymore so I just cut him off.

I nearly settled on just walking home until a pitch black Escalade pulled up besides me as I turned my attention to it's direction. The window was winded down and I realized it was Anton and his mom, "Hey Michael, you're father has told me you're staying at our house tonight. He's going to check on your mom."

"Oh, uhhh, ok." I said. "Well actually could you just drop me off at home. I've got some things I need to do." I really didn't I just didn't feel the need at all to have a babysitter.

"Uhm I don't know. You're dad had told me this but I guess you could call him and see if he's ok with it.

I dialed the digits of his number and he approved that I would be able to stay home alone. I had wondered why he even plan some stupid stuff like that in the first place.

"Well I guess. You can call your dad and ask."

---

Home
Mrs. Malcom had kindly dropped me off at home in an utterly silent car ride. I didn't feel like socializing with anybody right now after what I'd learned after the game.
I threw my my Nike duffle bag filled with my equipment into my room and went outside to play basketball, just something to clear my mind with.

It was about 8:30 so the skys were dingy and the only thing visible was the clear backboard. I put up some long range shots and tried to focus on increasing my jump shot elevation then at that moment I began to hear another basketball bouncing in the area. I looked around but it was so dark but enough focus had allowed me to notice it was coming from our newly found neighbors from two houses down.

I stopped put my own practice on hold and quickly became fascinated as I observed the boy continually nail shots from all throughout the perimeter. He had stopped putting shooting and noticed me staring and began walking my way.

I got sort of intimidated, the guy looked like he was built like LeBron James or something.

"What are you looking at?"

I rubbed my eyes and shook off the the hard stare. The guy got bigger and bigger as he cut through the grass making his way to my back yard.
"Uh Uh, dude who are you?"

"The f*ck you mean who am I. You the one staring at me lookin' like you plotting something." He responded as he flipped out.

"Oh my bad bro I was just watching your game, you got skills. You the one who just moved here right?"

"Thanks, and I'm Markel by the way. And yeah why?"

"Cool I'm Michael but I was just wondering. When you gonna start at Polk, that's where you're going right?" I asked.

"Yeah I start tomorrow I guess... I don't know how long I'm gonna be around though. My dad is in the military and they've got us moving all over the place."

"What grade are you in?"

"Second year of high school.. What a hassle, my last school always wanted to complain about me saying I had an attitude and sh*t. I just do me. You know what I mean?"

"For sure. I don't know how the freshman teacher are like at Polk though, I'm a sophomore. Hey you want to play one on one right quick?"

"Challenge accepted boy. Check up."

I checked him the ball and immediately he extended his arms outward and crossed the ball over freezing me up then finished at the rim with a layup.

"Make it take it." He ruled while walking back to the top of the key.

He jabbed step creating space on me and shot the jumper.

"That never fails, never. Check up."
...
He beat me 11-3. May have been the best competition I'd ever faced. He could do almost anything he thought of..

"Wanna run that again tomorrow?" I offered as I collected my ball from the concrete floor.

"I don't know I might hit a lick tomorrow." He said as he disappeared in the darkness.

I asked myself what he meant when he said hit a lick? I'd never heard that phrase before but it didn't sound like it was up to any good. I didn't care though, I had my own problems.

---

Special Thanks to DropxEm - For helping me build up the plot of the last two posts!

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

---

Polk High Win Against Aaron Burr
December 12th, 2014

DAYTON: Polk High, reigning state champions of Ohio continue to create their legacy in high school basketball history within Ohio. Last Friday they carried out a win at Aaron Burr who has had a disappointing this season after losing star forward Kenan Morris to graduation this year.

Aaron Burr had kept hopes alive after outscoring Polk in the fourth quarter of action and had the audience on their feet looking at a potential upset towards Polk. But despite it all Polk High got points on the board late in the game and forced Aaron Burr to foul which would eventually cost them as the Knights got the win 60-53.

Junior guard Dewayne Mitchel took the biggest challenge of the game by matching up with one of the nation's finest guard's, Troy Monroe. The two collided high scoring affairs as Troy Monroe topped off another season high of 30 points to Mitchel's 19.
And speaking of Troy Monroe, the guard ruled in that he's taken an official visit to Tennessee University after making his top 5 college choices via Twitter consisting on; Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Kansas.

When Tom Williams spoke with Polk's head coach Samuel Santiago here's what he had to say
"It's been a tough few games lately..." Says coach Santiago speaking about to past three game. "We received our first L against Grandview and then followed up on that with a game where we barely won against a team that's currently 3-5. And here we are today almost losing but luckily we were able to connect on our free throws."

The quote can determine the high expectations Polk's basketball program had always had. They were previously ranked 13th nationwide according to Maxpreps but later were shifted down to #24 after they'd lost to Grandview. Aaron Burr has now slid down to 1-6 overall as the struggles to revive continue.

---

---

Polk High Box Score

#24 Polk High Knights at Aaron Burr High School Athletes
Dec 7, 2014	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#24 Polk High (5-1)	16	13	20	11	60
Aaron Burr High School (1-6)	8	12	18	15	53

#24 Polk High Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Mohammad Jamey	18	1-6	0-0	0-0	0	3	1	1	2	2
Troy Monroe	25	30	13-20	2-3	2-2	0	0	0	0	30
Gustavo Forrest	25	4-10	2-5	1-1	6	1	0	0	1	11
Doug Micah	21	1-2	0-0	3-4	6	0	1	0	1	5
Augustus Rolando	25	1-3	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	1	0	2
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Ted Ted	11	0-2	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Romeo Jamel	10	1-1	0-0	2-2	4	2	1	0	0	4
Van Branden	9	1-2	0-0	1-	1	0	0	0	2	3
Michael Kane	8	1-5	1-2	0-0	0	3	1	0	0	3
Stanford Cleveland	8	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	4	0	0	0	0
Anton Malcom	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Odis Ahmad	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	1	1	0
Hugh Eddie	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Antonie Cristobal	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Don Alfredo	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		23-51	5-10	9-11	28	14	4	3	7	60

Aaron Burr High School Athletes
TEAM TOTALS		21-50	5-10	6-9	28	14	5	2	8	53

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Any feedback? Haven't gotten any in a minute lol.
Should have some more updates out tomorrow tho

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Love this.

[NewscasterNews4]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Love this.

I second that.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 14th, 2014 - Locker Room

I sat along with the team in the middle of the locker room giving a short span of my attention towards coach.
I remained depressed about my mom and I considered skipping this game but I overcame the the thought and decided to come, just to stay loyal but I knew they would understand anyways.

Coach Santiago in the meantime was yapping anyway... "They've got two gunners on Ridgeway", "We've got to rebound well against them", "Protect the ball" and so on. Then coach announced our starters and once again me nor Cleveland was included. I didn't even care though.

---

Polk vs Ridgeway

... Final Buzzer
PA Announcer: Polk closes out the game and the final score is 62-54. Let's give it up for your POLK KNIGHTS!

We as a team all shook hands with Ridgeway and skipped the court celebration and moved towards the locker room. I had a really dull game on the night. I wasn't in sync and coach apparently say it and pulled me within about 1 minute when I first got in and then maybe two after the second substitution bringing me in.

---

Afterwards...

Coach S released us from the locker room and towards the exit was the destination. My dad awaited me in his Lexus while reading the newspaper.

"Hey dad." I muttered as I threw my stuff in the back seat of the car.

"Had a bad game?"

"No why you say that."

"You seem a little down." Dad said. "Or is it about... you know."

"Yeah I'm still kind of shaken up about it all."

"Everything is going to be alright Mike."

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

---

Polk Edges Ridgeway 62-54
December 17th, 2014
Written By: Polk High Student Press

FINAL SCORE: Polk High 62, Ridgeway High 54

The boy's varsity basketball team hosting and defeating Ridgeway High (6-2).

The intense defensive effort by Polk didn't allow Ridgeway to run the game who they wanted and forced many mistakes including a +5 turnover difference between the two teams. And did you hear,? the block party was on the night as well, the Knights had 11 blocks in the game, seven coming from Troy Monroe.

For the 8th consecutive game Troy Monroe led the Blue and White in scoring with 28 points coming off a 30 point performance against Aaron Burr. And as mentioned, Troy was a huge help on defense coming up with defensive stops with his 7 blocks. Augustus Rolando carried the Knights on the glass with a total of 12 rebounds and 4 assists.

After the game Coach Santiago said the following, "It was a good way to bounce back and show the league what we're made of"

Polk plays Rancho Carne Cougars this Friday. Please come out and cheer on your Knights!

---

Polk High Box Score

Ridgeway High Grizzlies at Polk High Knights
Dec 14, 2014	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Ridgeway High (5-3)	14	17	15	8	54
Polk High (7-1)	14	21	14	13	62

Ridgeway High Grizzlies
TEAM TOTALS		21-59	7-22	5-8	37	15	2	0	8	54

Polk High Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Mohammad Jamey	19	5-14	2-4	0-0	0	3	0	0	1	12
Troy Monroe	29	11-20	1-4	5-5	4	2	0	7	1	28
Gustavo Forrest	24	1-6	1-4	0-0	4	2	1	1	0	3
Doug Micah	22	0-1	0-0	0-0	7	0	0	0	0	0
Augustus Rolando	27	1-2	0-0	1-1	12	4	0	1	0	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Stanford Cleveland	11	2-4	0-0	2-2	0	1	0	1	1	6
Romeo Jamel	8	3-5	1-2	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	7
Van Branden	7	0-0	0-0	1-2	0	0	2	0	0	1
Ted Ted	6	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	1	0	0	2
Odis Ahmad	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	3	0	1	0	0
Anton Malcom	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Michael Kane	4	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		24-54	5-15	9-10	29	17	4	11	3	62

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Love this.

I second that.

Thanks I'm glad you guys are enjoying this!

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 17th, 2014 - Night Hoops

It became quickly became a routine as Markel would come over knocking on my door at around 8 everyday so we could get some workouts in. I had no problem with them and eventually I felt his competition was making me even better though he still beat me most of the time. During the courses he'd began explaining about his life and family; His dad was a deadbeat kinda person, he was apart of the military and while he was still with Markel's family he'd always fail them and never provided for them. He'd always tend to keep his money to himself and Markel would then elaborate to me that it was the main reason he wasn't one of the best players in his class, because he'd never be able to show his talent to the world. His mom on the other hand was an extremely hard working women who did whatever it took to make ends meet. That included working two jobs just to keep the food on the table for him and his little sister and trying to keep Markel on the right track to achieve his ultimate goal of making the pro's.

"Michael how you last game?" He said as he walked over from the backyards.

"Bad. I wasn't focused about nothing really. My mom got diagnosed with cancer and it had me feeling real sad throughout the week."

"Damn, sorry to hear that bro. You better go off on them next game then. Dedicate that game to ya mom."

"Hey I would be able to do something like that but Santiago never gives me playing time."

Markel then asserted, "You gotta speak yo mind. Some people not gonna like what you say but others are gonna respect you for standing up for yourself. You see some bum starting over you, you better confront the coach and tell him he dumb as f*ck."

"But if coach is one who don't like what I say then tough luck to me cause I already got a chip on my shoulder, I'm a sophomore on varsity. I'm practically like a nobody, just an underclassmen.

"Don't matter to me, I say what I think because if you don't you gonna regret and the what if's are going to destroy you bro. What if's always lead to regrets as time passes and you wish you woulda' done something different. My mom used to always tell my that you control your own legacy. You do what you do..."

I still didn't agree but coach did tell me I would possibly be starting and I've actually been losing minutes instead of gaining so maybe I would take Markel's advice. "Yeah you right bro. Let's get this 1-on-1 started though."

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 20th, 2014... Basketball Practice

Practice Recap
Through the practice we'd mainly just scrimmaged and practiced plays because coach apparently had nothing for us to do in particular. I was a little more tuned in and alert about basketball at this point. I'd pretty much dominated the practice. I was really aggressive and was smart in the paint instead of just throwing stuff up there. I saw coach nodding his head in approval a couple times. I was satisfied and once again filled with the confidence that got me on this team except I was smart using it.

Coach Conclusion
So like always you guys did pretty good today. Tomorrow we've got Rancho Carne, a struggling team who we manage to beat every single year. I'm expecting the same result tomorrow. In fact it should be a blowout, from what I hear they're point guard is the main source of their scoring but he can't shoot... The defensive game plan is to make him shoot over us and we've got another win. So that'll do it for today.

---

Afterwards...
I had kept in mind what Markel had told me about standing up for my beliefs and decided to go into coach's office and talk to him about the current situation.
*Knock Knock*
"Come in." Said the voice from the other side.

"Michael. Nice practice out there today." Coach commented. "What's up?"

"Thanks. And I've come to speak about to rotation."

"I'm listening."

"Yeah.. Well you told me two games ago that you were going to bench Mohammad and either start me or Cleveland. Two games later, nothing has changed. What happened?"

"Me and the coaching staff decided to give him those two games to prove why he deserved to be a starter and I bet you could infer that he's failed to do so. Therefore we'll be implementing changes into the lineup against Rancho Carne, it'll be announced on game day."

"Thanks coach, if you give me that opportunity I will not disappoint you. I'm ready for it coach. I'm ready."

"We will see Mike." He added as I left.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 21nd, 2014 - Locker Room

The locker room was filled with the musty aroma that it always contained. This was the moment I had indeed desired to come so bad... The moment where coach would introduce the new starting guard between me and Cleveland. I sat hyped up in the center of the locker room along with the others listening to coach talk about today's game plan.

"We're playing man to man defense all game. They've got very few resources on this team that can give us some competition but we're still going to go out there and play our hardest just like we would anyday. Alright and let's welcome Michael into the starting lineup at point. Same routine on the plays, just a new face." Declared coach Santiago appearing to be waiting for player reactions as made a pause. "Now let's go out there and get another victory!"

We all bounced off the bench and jogged towards the gym with blow-out hopes in mind. The home team's bleachers were merely empty.

• • •

It's about time. I'm dedicating this game all towards my mom, just like Markel said. I can use it as motivation to strive in this game and make it clear to coach that I'm going capable of starting for the rest of the season.

---

Polk vs Ridgeway

... Final Buzzer
I'd gotten off to a fast start to start the game. I wasn't handing the ball to Troy each possession and I was poised to come out as an underdog this game while also achieving the goal to a high degree.

Referee: -Blows Whistle- Foul committed by Polk's Michael Kane, that's his second personal foul.

It was only the first quarter and I'd already picked up two personal fouls so I already knew coach was going to bench me as the Cougar's player stepped up at the line but he actually didn't. He kept me in for about two more minutes then took me out and rested me for a way longer period of time of the amount I needed.

• • •

Final Buzzer Sounds...
PA Announcer: And visiting Polk takes out our Rancho Carne Cougars. It was a tough game for us but they will learn from the mistakes and the next game will hopefully go smoother.

The game clock expired and the game was over. I joined the line to shake hands with RC with a huge grin on my face.
We had blew them out 71-39. I couldn't have been more hyped about my performance, I hit what,? like 20 points, 4 assists. I was on point tonight. I have to admit though, it felt pretty weird taking the amount of shots Troy ranges in each game but I'm going to be quick to say that I can officially call myself an everyday starter.

"Now that's what I'm talking about Mike." Said Coach Santiago marveled with the joy of the blowout win. "That kind of game obviously is going to get you some more playing time. Keep it up!"

The grin remained glued to my face as I responded to coach, "Thanks coach! I told you I was ready for this!"

My ultimate goal when I first came to Polk was to hatch as a superstar and it looked like it was going to start earlier than I expected it to. It's time to make my name here.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

---

Knights Carry Out a Blowout Against Rancho Carne
December 21st, 2014
Written By: Polk High Student Press

FINAL SCORE: Polk High 71, Rancho Carne High School 39

The Knights appear to have found their missing gem on the varsity squad as they won the game 71-39.

Who is the gem you may ask? Sophomore Michael Kane who racked up 20 points while shooting 7-11 from the field. It was a great way to make a starting debut no doubt. On the other hand was Troy Monroe continuing to work his duties as the team leader as he had an great game with 25 points.

Polk's defense game plan switched back and forth through the game but all had the same result of limiting multiple Rancho Carne opportunities. The Knights dominated the end on all aspects as they forced many turnovers, limited the fouls, and made the Cougars work on the perimeter. Defensive player of the game honors could respectively be handed to Augustus Rolando for his work on shutting down the Cougars center.

USA Today now ranks Polk High number 4 in the nation. Keep looking forward and let's try to conquer the number 1 slot.

With the season winding down next up on the schedule for the Knights is an out of state game that may wind up being Polk's biggest challenge, Whitney Young. Enjoy your winter break!

---

Polk High Box Score

Polk High Knights at Rancho Carne High School Cougars
Dec 21, 2014	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Polk High (8-1)	15	14	26	16	71
Rancho Carne High School (4-6)	10	12	12	5	39

Polk High Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Michael Kane	16	7-11	0-1	6-6	0	4	1	0	0	20
Troy Monroe	21	10-13	3-4	2-3	3	2	0	0	0	25
Gustavo Forrest	18	2-2	1-1	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	5
Douh Micah	17	1-3	0-0	0-0	3	1	0	0	0	2
Augustus Rolando	18	2-4	0-0	2-2	7	0	1	1	0	6
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Ted Ted	15	4-8	0-0	1-2	3	1	0	0	0	9
Van Branden	15	4-8	0-0	1-2	2	1	0	0	1	0
Romeo Jamel	14	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	3	0	0	0	0
Anton Malcom	11	1-2	0-0	0-0	3	1	1	0	0	2
Stanford Cleveland	11	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	5	0	1	0	0
Mohammad Jamey	7	1-4	0-1	1	0	0	0	0	0	2
Odis Ahmad	3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Hugh Eddie	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Antonie Cristobal	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Don Alfredo	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		28-49	4-7	11-13	26	17	3	2	1	71

Rancho Carne High School Cougars
TEAM TOTALS		18-45	0-2	3-4	20	9	1	0	10	39

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 22nd, 2014

It was now the first day of the two weeks our Winter Break contained. I sat in my room browsing through Instagram. The outdoors were flooded with sheets of snow and nothing was really going on, exactly how all winters were when you I think about it.
I knew exactly what the deal would be during break... Preparing for Whitney Young; the #2 ranked school in the nation who had two ESPN ranked players on their team, one was my position.

I logged onto Polk's school website just to review me and the team's statistics which I hadn't done in a while. I praised my 20 point game against Rancho Carne but then realized how bad the rest of the team was doing outside Troy and me. We'd been pretty one dimensional if you looked at it based off the statistics, it's like Troy vs everyone.

Dad then walked into my room as I swiveled around in my chair.
"What's up dad?" I asked. I noticed he carried an envelope in his hand.

"The mail came." He said as he handed over the envelope. "Got something for you and I think you're going to like it."

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Wonder what's on that letter

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

On that same day...

In unveiled the envelope and viewed the letter expecting it to be my first college scholarship. However it wasn't.

---

Despite having the thought reverse, excitement of the original notion still carried through me after reading the full letter. I re-read and re-read and the moment was un-real. I'd been INVITED to a basketball camp! Not a local high school camp but a national Adidas sponsor camp.

I still got a little lost when it said it was located all the way in Texas.

"Dad you know this is in Texas right?"

"Yep of course. Got your flight booked already. The best of the best deserve the best."

"Wait what do you mean "your"? Aren't you coming?"

"I would but you know I can't, we've got practices at Wright State everyday except for the Holiday." Dad said. "You'll be alright, they're going to have all the campers in a hotel and there will be people to help you out when you need it."

"Man that sucks. But I really appreciate this."

"No problem Mike. You earned it. Hey, you should start packing your bag now. The flight is leaves in two days."

"Alright. Oh yeah and about the flight, how long is it?"

"Uhhh about 2 to 2 and half hours. Shouldn't be long at all."

"Man this is great, thanks dad!" I said as dad stepped out of my room.

I started packing and thought to myself how things had been escalating for me so quickly every since I had that break out game that happened just yesterday. It was so ironic but I was definitely couldn't complain.

The name "Boot Camp" astonished me and I could already tell already that this camp was not going to be a joke. I day dreamed about how the power conference NCAA coaches would be sitting in the bleachers drooling as they watched me do my thing. I couldn't mess up at this camp, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for somebody like me and I had to prove that I belong there.