A not many years ago I coached a fifth-grade basketball team.

A not many years ago I coached a fifth-grade basketball team. individual Saturday as I was getting ready for our 10 a.m. game, the calls started.

``Hi, coach. It's Mr Candella. Joe can't play; he's sick.''

``Hi, Mr Russo. It's Mr Martinez. Chris can't play; we're going to the Poconos.''

``Hi, Mr Russo. It's Pat Lynch John can't. '' And in the way that on.

chop to 10 a.m.

My five survivors and I are huddling before tip-off. Their watchs are doing the dance of hopelessness-from me to their 13 foes to me, to ...