Thursday, the basketball team plays the best team in the league (undefeated, holds opponents under 10, etc.). Three of my starters are on a class trip; two decided to go to Taco Bell instead of the first 15 minutes of practice. Sixth man is on the said trip; seventh man is sick; eighth man is hurt. I'll be starting (in the order they usually come off the bench), players 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 (out of a possible 17). Just as in life, the faithful will be rewarded, even if they're not good at basketball.