SNAPshots: “The Weight of a Game”
The Weight of a Game
With 5.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and a score of 39-39, a held ball puts possession back in the hands of the Cougars from Stuarts Draft High School.
Just what is a ‘held ball?’
A held ball is when two opponents have their hands firmly on the ball, holding it so firmly that neither can take sole possession without roughness ensuing.
With the clock counting down, Stuarts Draft’s McKenzie Kirschnick gets the ball.
Quick strides propel her sneakered feet downcourt.
Little time remains for thought because to not score is to allow the game to remain tied and flow into overtime.
Slipping through defenders from Riverheads High School, the Cougar tries unsuccessfully to reach the basket.
A Gladiator fouls her just as the buzzer sounds.
Breathing hard, Kirschnick raises her hands to her head and watches teammates and opponents step from the court.
Only she and a referee remain on court with the weight of the game settling squarely on her shoulders.
Stepping to the foul line, the Cougar faces a simple fact.
If she makes either of her two shots, they win.
If she misses both, it spells overtime.
When the referee tosses her the ball, Kirschnick hunkers down and shifts her posture to shoot.
Holding the ball ready, she eyes her target, taking her time.
Using the force of her legs, her body moves into motion.
The ball sails through the air and falls through the hoop to give the Cougars a 40-39 victory.
— Mike Tripp, photojournalist
Published in The News Leader on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009.
