Free Throws: The Drew Neilson Series (Book 2)

By Neil Kokemuller

Free Throws is the second book in The Drew Neilson Series. Follow the accomplishments, trials and tribulations of high school star athlete Drew Neilson. In the first book in the series, Touchdowns, Drew had to overcome the tragic death of his girlfriend. With faith and the support of his family, he managed to move on.

In Free Throws, Drew seems to have gotten back on his feet. However, he must once again overcome challenges -- this time in the form of poor decision-making on the part of his friends and teammates. Health complications rear their ugly head as well.

Despite the obstacles, Drew Neilson continues to display maturity and grit well beyond his years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neil Kokemuller
• Release date: Apr 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310676314

Neil Kokemuller

Neil Kokemuller has been an active writer and content media website developer since 2007. He wrote regular feature articles for LiveCharts for three years and has been a college marketing professor since 2004. He has several years of additional professional experience in marketing, retail and small business, and he holds a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University. His writing has been featured in many publications, including: AZRepublic.com Auto Guides AZ Central Business Chron Small Business LiveCharts.co.uk Opposing Views People The Nest Budgeting Zacks Finance Chron Work Global Post Seattle P-I Synonym.com Top5.com

Book preview

Free Throws

The Drew Neilson Series

Book II

Neil Kokemuller

Copyright 2014 by Neil Kokemuller

Smashwords Edition

Chapter One

The Yorktown Knights trailed the Binsley Tigers, 90-89, with thirty seconds remaining in the game. Five players returned to the floor for each team following a timeout.

Greg Rogers took the ball from the referee, and in bounded to Drew Neilson. Neilson began a steady dribble just beyond the mid-court stripe. The defender made no move for the ball, so Drew just kept dribbling as the clock continued to run. Ten, nine, eight, seven...

When the clock reached five seconds, Drew made his move. He dribbled once to his left, and quickly crossed-over to his right. He moved around a pick, set by Rogers. With one second left on the clock, Drew rose up for a fifteen foot jump shot.

There wasn’t a single person sitting as the ball floated majestically through the air. As the ball dropped through the hoop, the crowd stormed the floor. The Knights had won the game, 91-90. The victory had given them the Eastview Conference Championship, and assured them an automatic bid in the state basketball playoffs.

With a 22-1 record, the Knights had finished the regular season ranked second in the state. They appeared to be destined for something big.

Greg had been there for Drew during everything that had happened to him. Greg had visited him in the hospital when Drew was ill, and had helped convince Drew that he needed to move on.

Losing Kim had been the hardest thing Drew had ever been through. No matter how much success he had on the basketball court, Drew would always know that there is more to life than sports. Kim had taught him to take advantage of all the opportunities that life presents. This is what allowed Drew to put her death behind him. She would always hold a special place in his heart, though.

Drew sifted through the crowd, and was able to spot his family. He walked over and gave Sarah, his younger sister, a big hug. Drew was Sarah’s hero. She had always taken pride in her brother. She and Drew had developed a new bond, and anytime she need advice, guidance, or brotherly love, she would turn to him. It made Drew feel good to be there for her. Even when she was having problems with her boyfriend, Drew was willing to help.

Drew turned to Larry, and the two of them engaged in a firm handshake, recognizing the spirit of the moment. Larry was Drew’s role model. Drew had grown up watching Larry excel at sports. Everything Larry did, Drew wanted to do. Larry was Drew’s best resource during the traumatic events surrounding Kim’s death, and the loss in the state football championship. If there was one person who could keep Drew’s spirits up, it was Larry.

Great game, Drew, said his dad.

Thanks. I couldn’t have done anything without you all being here. I love you all, Drew said, obviously showing the emotion inside him.

You guys deserved to win, you played so hard, said Drew’s mom. Her voice had its usual tenderness. Drew remembered when she’d come out of the house to tell him the news of Kim’s death. Even though he was overcome by the situation, he still recalls hearing the gentleness in her words.

Drew’s parents had always been loving and supportive of Drew. In the past, they had tried to help Drew make the decisions that would shape his life, but not anymore. Now, they just watched in admiration as he made these decisions on his own. They worried about the mistakes he would make, as any parents would, but they also knew he was able to learn from them. He’d already proven that.

Teri spotted Drew as the crowd began to disperse. She raced to him, wrapped her arms around him, and gave him a big kiss. It felt good to Drew to have someone to hold again. It had taken him a long time to get over the loss of Kim, but Teri Starr had caught his eye. The two agreed to take things slow, but she had begun to fill the void in Drew’s heart.

As the Neilson’s and Teri left the gymnasium, Drew and Greg took a few moments to look around. It was the last time the two of them would be on the Yorktown court together as teammates. They had been through a lot together. After the devastating loss in the football championship, they had refocused their sights on the basketball title.

After each of them had received his fill, they headed toward the locker room. They turned and looked into each other’s eyes. A big grin appeared on both of their faces. Greg put his arm around Drew’s neck, Drew did the same, and they disappeared into the corridor. The two warriors had been through many battles together, but much more was still ahead.

Chapter Two

Saturday afternoon was cold in Yorktown. The snow was still piled a foot high on the ground. Drew thought it was perfect sledding weather, and so he asked Sarah to go out with him. She agreed, and they headed for a hill a couple of blocks away.

It had been a long time since Drew last went sledding. He had always enjoyed the winter months. Even with the cold weather, there was something about seeing the sparkle of the sun on the white snow that appealed to him.

As they walked, Sarah decided to open up to Drew about a problem she’d been having. Drew, how do you know when you are with the right person? I mean, I like Jeff, but I don’t really feel like I would ever marry him.

You are a little bit young to be thinking about marriage, don’t you think?

You know what I mean, responded Sarah. I am only fourteen, but I still know what it means to be in a relationship. They always teach us in Sunday School that you shouldn’t go out with somebody that you couldn’t see yourself marrying in the future.

She continued, But, I like Jeff. We have fun together. So... what should I do?

Well, I think that you should just tell Jeff that you want to be friends. I’m sure he’ll understand. There is no reason at your age that you need to be seriously involved. You’ve got a lot of time left for that. Just enjoy your childhood and have fun, said Drew, trying to offer his best counseling services.

Yeah, I think you are right, said Sarah. I just hope he understands that I’m not ready for a commitment, yet. We can still have fun and do stuff together.

When they reached the hill, Drew set the sled down and invited Sarah to hop on. She did, and he gave her a push. As Sarah was cruising