Breaking the Press (2010) - full transcript

[soft music]

-[bright orchestral music]
-[birds chirping]

[vehicle approaching]

[birds chirping]

-Hello there.
-Hey.

One of these days, I'm
gonna pave that drive.

[chuckles] Are you Mr. Summer?

Yes, ma'am.

TheTex Summer?

Well, just plain Tex is fine.

-Okay.
-Come on in.



Thanks.

Oh, I'm Karen Thomas,
pleasure to meet you, sir.

Well, it's a
pleasure to meet you.

How y'all doin'?

Oh, great.

Our magazine was thrilled

to get this interview
with you today, sir.

You mean, you're not
the census taker?

[stumbles] Um, we--

[laughs] I'm just foolin' you.

-[laughs]
-I knew you was comin'.

Can I get you
something to drink?

Oh, no, thanks.

I drank a lot on the way here.



Uh, water.

A big water drinker. [laughs]

What'd you say the name
of your magazine is again?

National Sports Program.

Well, I should tell you,

I have never been one
for fancy interviews.

Well, [laughs] this is
about as fancy as it gets.

Well, good.

So, if you're ready.

I'm ready as a bear trap.

[soft music]

Okay, let's get started.

I am here with legendary
icon and basketball coach,

Houston's own, Tex Summer.

So, Tex, tell us about
the contribution you made

to the Woodrow Wilson
High School Wildcats.

-[engaging music]
-[crowd cheering]

Well, ma'am, I got to
say in all honesty,

that wasn't all my doing.

Tell us about that famous
defensive strategy of yours.

-Defense?
-Uh-huh.

Oh, no, ma'am, that's offense.

Oh.

Oh, I, I'm sorry,
that's my mistake.

Well, that's all right.

Even my players didn't get it
until much later.

I'm guessing I might be
your first sports interview?

Second.

I did a piece on
bowling once. [chuckles]

Truth is, I get real tired
of doing the weather.

[chuckles] Well,
I can't blame you.

That weather is predictable.

[chuckles]

But not so with the
game of basketball.

-[engaging music]
-[crowd cheering]

[whistle blaring]

So, this strategy you gave
to Coach Joe Conaghey.

Well, I lent it to him.

But no plan will work
unless you got a coach

who has sense enough to use it.

Well, obviously he did.

Well, yes ma'am, he did.

But to understand it all,

I guess we ought to
start at the beginning.

[soft music]

Joe moved here to
Texas from New Orleans

with his new wife, Laura.

They had an old car and
scraped together enough money

for a down payment
on an old house.

But with love and care,
it became their home.

Joe got a job at the middleschool, teaching social studies.

But his true love was coaching
those seventh grade boys

on the basketball court.

[Joe] Work around.

[whistle blaring]

[Joe] Line up.

Sam Stevens?

-Sir?
-Give me the gum.

Yes, sir.

Let's run it again.

[whistle blaring]

Natural fuel resources.

Now, what are four
sources of natural energy?

-Yes.
-Oil.

Good one.

-Natural gas.
-Natural gas, another one?

-Uranium.
-Uranium's a great one.

-Coal.
-Yep.

They fit right
into the community

like an old pair
of deer skin boots.

[kids chattering]

Joe gave the kids a new
interest in social studies.

[kids singing Jesus Loves Me]

Laura worked part time

and became active in
their church community

and she loved working with
kids in Sunday school.

♪ Yes, Jesus loves me ♪

♪ Yes, Jesus loves me

[Tex] Well, they wanted to
have children of their own,

but Laura had suffered
a couple of miscarriages

and couldn't
sustain a pregnancy.

[clapping]

So after five years of trying,

the Conagheys had
almost given up.

Honey?

How much we paying
for this cable?

I don't know.

It's part of that package deal.

[Man on TV] How fast
can that thing go?

[Man 2 on TV] Line 'em up!

[people chattering]

[Man on TV] Better question,
how fast can we go?

And now we go to the
Saturdays for Children segment

with Patricia Bloom.

Patricia is with the Child Unit

of the Texas State
Department of Social Services

and has supervised
the continued care

and placement of two
wonderful little boys.

This is Joshua.

He is two years old
and he likes to sing.

Now, this little man over
here, his name is Matthew,

and he just turned three.

Matthew is so strong.

These two babes
were abandoned,

in a box, near a dumpster.

A woman shopping nearby
heard their cries

and thankfully reported it to
the police who rescued them.

They are adorable.

Patricia, how old were the
boys when they were found?

-[child crying]
-Well, Joshua

was just an infant.

And Matthew was
only one year old.

Here, sweetie.

You know, it's very difficult
to separate siblings

and it's even more difficult

to place them in the
same home together.

But we are not giving up.

Please contact the Child Unit

by calling 1-800-JJ-KIDS-4,
for these darling children.

Once again, that number
is 1-800-JJ-KIDS-4.

Next is sports
with T.K. Terrier.

That's the second time
we saw that story.

I know.

It's so sad.

Are you thinking
what I'm thinking?

Depends on what you're thinking.

Let's take in those two boys.

[soft music]

Oh.

Joe.

We've been trying
for five years.

And who's to say these
aren't the children

that God had in mind?

Let's just see what happens.

I mean, we know nothing
about these kids.

What about their medical history

and their family background?

They look so different.

I mean, they look
like they could come

from two different fathers.

What is the town gonna say?

What if we're not as
strong as we think we are?

[chuckles] Well, you're not.

That's why we need faith.

[soft music]

[Tex] Adopting those boys
was a mite out of the norm

for that little town.

But Joe and Laura were
determined to carry it out.

And in spite of the
occasional jawboning

from some of their
friends and neighbors,

a week later, they broughtthose two boys into their home.

-We're home!
-[people chattering]

[Joe laughing]

[Boy] Mamma.

Welcome, this is your new home.

-Mamma.
-This is your new home.

-[kids fussing]
-Yes.

Oh, hold it, hold it.

This here's the good shot.

Oh, Lordy, just the cutest
things I ever did see.

Bless your hearts.

Now, say cheese.

[All] Cheese!

[camera clicking]

Okay, we gotta go.

Now, around here, the
phrase "bless your heart"

is what people say when they
wanna criticize something

and get away with it.

[chuckles]

She looks like she's
put on 40 pounds

since the last time I saw her.

-[chuckles]
-Bless her heart.

[Tex] And don't get 'em
started on a prayer chain.

No, that is open
season for gossip.

Bless their hearts.

Thank the good Lord...

Joe and Laura were
determined to see it through,

'cause those two boys
certainly needed a loving home

to grow up in.

[chuckles] Yeah.

Okay, a little high,
a little softer.

[Laura] Come on, Matthew.

[air whooshing]

-[people chattering]
-Yeah.

[Tex] Now, Josh was
just a junior,

a year younger than Matt,

but he was a natural.

Matt, on the other hand, had
to work real hard for it.

And he still never
could do enough

to match the magic
of his brother.

Joe got promoted from middle
school to varsity coach.

And he taught those
boys the gospel

of the fine art of basketball.

-[people chattering]
-[shoes squeaking]

[Joe] Ok, set up!

[Joe] Come on, Jordan, you're
better than that.

Let's make gold.

Let's go, guys.

Come on, Thomas.

Hondo, stay on 'em.

Stay up.

[whistle blaring]

Whoo!

What was that?

Everybody, bring it in.

Right now.

What was that?

What'd I tell you guys
about hot-dogging?

Huh?

I want us working
on the fundamentals.

It's not some kind
of half-time show.

Do you understand me?

Yes, sir.

That goes for each
and every one of you.

You keep that stuff
for the playground.

I want us focused
on fundamentals

and playing the game.

Thomas, you understand me?

Yes, sir.

-X?
-Yes, sir.

Does everybody understand me?

[Players] Yes, sir!

Good.

Line up on the line.

Five suicides.

What's up with your dad man?

You got skills.

Well, according to my coach,
not my dad.

Yeah, but he don't let
you do what you do best.

X, Alex.

Do you wanna get it together?

Or do you want us
all to do 10 more?

We live and die as
a team, gentlemen.

One screws up, we
all suffer for it.

Do we understand each other?

[Players] Yes, sir.

All on my whistle.

-[whistle blaring]
-[shoes squeaking]

Let's go!

We still have practice.

Hey, Joe.

Can I talk to you for a second?

Yeah, I'll be right back.

How're you doing?

Doing pretty good.

Listen, I know it's been a bit

of a rough road
for you, hasn't it?

Uh, you could say that, yeah.

I'm not gonna lie to you.

I'm getting a lot of
heat from folks inpatient

with four losing seasons.

[Joe] What are you saying?

Well, I'm saying
that your boy Josh

is a real natural talent.

Could lead us to the
playoffs, don't you think?

Yeah, I think he could, if
he starts listening to me,

he starts playing
with his teammates.

That's what I'm saying.

Maybe if you lighten up on
a little bit, he'll blossom.

I'm sorry, he'll what?

I'm saying let him reach
his full potential.

You got a good bunch here.

I don't wanna stifle
their talents.

Why don't you let your players

play a little bit
more their game?

That's all I'm saying.

-Their game?
-Yeah.

Listen Os, I know
where this is going.

So, please don't tell me
how to coach basketball.

Look, I'm not
trying to upset you.

I'm trying to give you
words of encouragement.

You got a bunch of winners here.

I mean, we can all see that.

Your boy Josh could be a star.

I'm just trying to give you a
suggestion for your own good.

You follow?

Thank you.

Hey, nice shootin', man.

Yeah, sweet alley-oop, bro'.

Hey, I'm like the postman.

I deliver, you throw it down.

[chuckles] Yeah.

Man, we gotta get you comin'
off some more screens.

You need more shots.

Man, he ain't lyin'.

[slamming locker]

What's up with him?

Whatever.

Let's get out of here.

What's wrong?

Let me guess, Josh?

He could be so good, if
he wasn't such an idiot.

Matthew Conaghey,
he's your brother.

I'm sorry, he just drives
me crazy sometimes.

Talk to him.

I've told you a million times.

Now, I for one know that there'sa bunch of us around here

that don't like to way our
basketball program's going.

We put a lot of resources

into supporting our
team and quite frankly,

we are not satisfied with
the results, Coach Conaghey.

-[people chattering]
-That's the problem.

The resources are going
to the wrong places.

Well, I would like to hear
what the coach has to say.

Joe?

You wanna say a word?

I agree with everything
Mr. Hunt's saying.

I mean, I want results, too.

But I can't focus
on those results,

if I gotta fight the competitionon the basketball floor

and fight everybody in
this room at the same time.

We do the best we can, with
the hand that we are dealt.

So, Mr. Hunt, if you or
anybody else in this room

would like to come
by practice tomorrow

and show me just how you plan

on getting those
fast results, please.

[Joe] I am all ears.

If not, I'd like to
go home to supper.

Go on home.

Thank you.

[dramatic music]

Thank you for your time.

Hey, honey.

How'd it go?

Like I expected.

Everybody thinks we
should be preparing

for the state championship.

Now, don't let 'em get to you.

[chuckles] How could I not?

It's not like I had a winning
season in a long time,

much less made the playoffs.

Well, what do they expect?

It's high school.

They expect winners.

You will always be
a winner in my book.

Wish everybody felt that way.

Where are the boys?

They're outside, shooting hoops.

Why don't you go get 'em,
and tell 'em dinner's ready?

[dramatic music]

Hey, head's up.

What's up with you?

Don't walk away from me, Matt.

You're such a jerk.

I'm the jerk?

I'm a jerk.

You are so into yourself,
you don't even know.

Wow, dude, really?

What did I do to you?

It's not just me, Josh.

It's everybody, okay?

You're a good basketball player,

but you suck as a teammate
and you suck as a brother.

I said, don't walk away from me!

[boys grunting]

[Joe] Boys.

Boys!

Quit it!

Break it up!

What's going on?

What's going on?

-Nothin'.
-He's a ball hog.

If this is about
basketball, I'm the coach,

not you, Matthew.

Yeah, well, you're
taking his side again.

I'm not taking his side.

Everybody on this
team has a role.

You're the backbone of the team.

Some players need to understand

that they get
their team involved

when they help each other out,

pass the ball.

Now what else is going on?

I don't know, we're just
sick of hearing stuff.

What kind of stuff?

A couple other players
said some things and--

They found out we're adopted

and that you're
not our real dad.

[soft music]

That's nothing new.

Most everybody around
here knows that.

You guys should be
used to that comment.

But they call us bastards.

So, don't listen to 'em.

Don't let it get to you.

If they know it's
getting to you,

they're gonna continue to do it

and it's gonna ruin your focus.

Yeah, but it does get to me.

[Josh] Me too.

Well, Matt did set of hard
pick on one, rang his bell.

And I schooled the
other, dunked on him.

Guys.

Don't worry about what
anybody says about me

or you or where you came from.

The only thing that matters
is where you're going.

We got our first
pre-season game tomorrow.

Let's go inside, let's eat
and you guys get to bed early.

All right.

I love you guys, go.

Get cleaned up.

[Tex] Now that kind of pep
talk works at home.

But it didn't stop opposing
teams from riding those boys.

-[whistle blaring]
-[Commentator] Trent Johnson,

here with my always animated
partner, Hi-Top Smith.

[Hi-Top] Howdy, folks.

[Trent] Hi-Top, with
just three minutes left

in the pre-season opener,
the Wildcats need a stop.

Their lead is down
to three points.

Senior Matt Conaghey
has got to stop

Harris superstar Billy Johnson.

Wildcats lead is
just one point.

Yeah, boy, who's your daddy?

Who's your daddy?

Is it the coach?

I bet you don't even know who
your real daddy is, do you?

What, you got a
problem with me, huh?

[Trent] I don't believe
what I'm seeing.

Matt had just took the inbounds,turned and shoved Johnson.

[Hi-Top] Both
benches are clearing.

[Trent] Oh, the referees
are trying to restore it,

but this is awful.

[whistle blaring]

Coach Joe Conaghey
is beside himself.

This is a nightmare for his
Woodrow Wilson Wildcats.

[Joe] You don't
come off the bench!

Sit down!

Double technical.

Number two is gone.

[Hi-Top] Time for dinner.

-This one's over.
-[crowd booing]

[Referee] Two and number twelve.

Now, down south, you
don't poke a stick

at somebody's daddy
or their mama,

unless you want a whoopin'.

[players chattering]

Sit down, calm down.

Sit down!

[yelling] Sit down!

Matt, what'd I tell you, huh?

What did I tell each
and every one of you?

You stay on the bench.

You don't lose your cool and[yelling] you stay on the bench!

Because of it, we gotta forfeit.

And that's a loss.

-[kicks locker]
-Damn it!

Did he just say that?

[insects chirping]

[Joe] I thought
we resolved this.

Well, I couldn't help
it, I lost my temper.

And you're gonna hear it again.

I guarantee it.

Matt, you can't go
around hitting people

just 'cause you don't
like what they say.

People say things.

It doesn't make it true.

Good night, Dad.

[door slams]

Stubborn one?

Bull-headed is more like it.

I cussed in front of
the whole team today.

I try to do the right thing.

I know what I'm
supposed to be doing,

but half the time
I do the opposite.

Don't beat yourself
up about it, Joe.

Your heat's in the right place
and that's what matters most.

Do you know, when we first met,

the thing that attracted
me to you the most?

What?

Your ability to admit
when you were wrong.

-[Joe chuckles]
-It is.

It's how I knew I
could trust you.

You and the boys, you're
growing and learning together.

Things always take more
time than we want them to.

I know.

I think something great
is just around the corner.

Mom, Dad.

See you in the morning.

Good night, son.

Our boys are so different.

[chuckles] Yeah.

I've never seen Dad as
mad as he was today.

Yeah, me either.

Can I ask you a question?

Yeah.

So you've never done anything
with Sara, except kiss?

Yeah.

Dude, you've dated
for like two years.

[chuckles] Well, I'm
comfortable with waiting,

and so is she.

Do you ever wonder
what they were like,

our real mom and your real dad?

Not really.

I mean, I feel like my real
mom and dad are right here.

Yeah, me too.

But I don't know, I
guess just sometimes,

I wonder why they did what
they did to us, you know?

Just left us like that?

Sometimes I get mad.

And when somebody
says something,

I just wanna bust
'em up, you know?

Yeah, yeah.

I still can't you believe you've

never done anything
with Sara. [chuckles]

[Matt] Well, I think
we should wait.

Oh, don't go there again, man.

It's a personal decision, Josh.

I can't make it for you.

Yeah, well,

just don't start wearing
an abstinence ring

like those guys on TV, okay?

-[book thuds]
-[door slams]

I say we fire him now.

Four years of losing is enough.

Players uninspired.

Bleachers half-empty.

It's time to let him go.

I agree.

I don't think we should
be so quick to judge.

We need to get a
real coach in here.

Somebody like Stan Taylor
from over at Lakeview.

He'll turn this program around.

[people chattering]

All right, everybody, hold
it down just for a second,

if you would.

I'd like to hear what Mr.
Richardson has to say.

I think you folks
should just simmer down.

[Man] Simmer down?

It seems some of you
forgot about the teams

Joe used to coach
several years back.

I don't recall anybody
complaining about him then.

That was then, this is now.

I'm inclined to
agree with Mr. Hunt.

Mr. Richardson, those
were good teams.

Nobody denies that.

But not great teams.

We never made it out of the
second round of the playoffs.

Four losing seasons is
a long time to wait.

Don't you agree?

I'm listening, Mr. Davies.

Well, it's no secret
to anybody in this room

that winning is
good for business.

It generates revenue
and popularity

for all the athletic
departments.

I thought our first priority

was to give young folks
an education here,

not to run a popularity
contest, to bring in money.

Now, look.

I understand you wanna
win basketball games

and to put the
school on the map.

So do I.

And I have just the
man to help us do it.

[Hunt] Who?

Tex Summer.

Tex Summer?

I thought he was dead.

I remember him.

Are you sure he's still around?

He took Campway High to state
finals twice in four years,

but that was over 25 years ago.

Don't you think he's a little
old to be our head coach?

I didn't say head coach.

What did you say?

Look.

I still have a lot of
faith in Joe Conaghey.

I propose we hire Tex
to be his assistant

and see if he can
become a winner again.

I mean, even coaches
need coaching sometimes.

-Oh, come on, Chester.
-[table bangs]

I say Tex Summer is a
man we need to help Joe

get us back on track
and that's final.

Now, we still have a few
games before district starts.

And it's your job

to make sure Coach Conaghey
goes along with it.

Yes, sir.

-By the way, Osmond,
-[engaging music]

I understand you need
some restoration done

on the roof of the gymnasium?

I'll have my secretary
draw you a check for that

first thing in the morning.

Good day to you,
ladies and gentlemen.

[Tex] So, that's where I came in

and introduced 'em all
to the oval offense.

Okay, like oval office.

[laughs] Now, let's not get
presidential about this.

I'm talking about
the oval offense.

Oval like an egg.

See, the white is a perimeter
and the yolk is the center.

You rotate the ball
around the oval.

Uh-huh,-work on
your core strength.

You see, the white is fluid,
but the yolk remains firm.

Unless, of course, you break
it, which you never wanna do.

The players rotate the
ball around that fluid oval

'til someone gets
open for a shot.

[Joe] Oval like an egg.

[Tex] That's right.

And I'll bet you're the
chicken that laid that egg.

[chuckles] Well, I've never
thought about it that way,

but I suppose I am.

Tex, you excuse me for a minute?

Sure thing.

-Hey, Os.
-Joe.

I know why Tex is here,
and I can appreciate that.

But he sounds like a
crazy old man to me.

Well, you know, in his
days down in Houston,

they called him a
basketball genius.

Which I guess makes him
a little crazy then.

[Joe] Come on.

He led 'em to two
state championships,

you know that, right?

Yeah, back when they're
shooting in peach baskets.

Those days have come and gone.

The game has changed.

Well, you better figure
out a way to make it work,

because if he's not staying,
you're both leaving.

[Tex] It took awhile for Joe
and the boys to accept me.

[Joe] All right, come on.

[Tex] And get into the
rhythm of the oval.

[players chattering]

Good, good.

Set it up again.

Josh, run the two.

[players chattering]

[whistle blaring]

Josh, move the ball
around the oval.

There's your open
man right there.

Don't take the low
percentage shot.

Yeah, but Coach,
when I take the shot,

it's never low percentage,
you know what I'm sayin'?

[players cheering]

Tex.

Tim, run it again
for me, please.

[Tim] All right,
let's run that again.

Look, I respect your experience

and what you're trying to
do here, but I'm head coach.

Everything goes through me.

Yes, sir, and I agree.

But if you can get your boy
Josh to commit to the oval,

the rest of the team
will follow suit.

Now, Josh is your best
player, but he's selfish.

He won't pass the ball.

Hey, everybody.

Line up.

Three man weaves, let's go.

Hurry it up, come on.

I've just been informed

that Joe's not paying any
attention to the old man.

So what's the point?

I say we fire Joe and
put Tex in charge.

[sighs] Well, you may be right.

I tell you what, things
don't get any better,

I'll go to Richardson
with your recommendation.

[soft music]

I didn't even get
to interview him.

The Board just forced him on me.

Maybe they didn't.

What do you mean?

Well, maybe it's a blessing.

You were doubting
your coaching ability.

This could be the answer.

Answer to what?

You asked for guidance on
how to be a better coach.

Give him a chance, Joe.

Tex, I need to talk to you.

Sure thing.

I owe you an apology.

For what, son?

I haven't been fair to you,

and I suppose I felt
a little threatened

with you being here
and everything.

Nah, it's completely natural.

Head coach under the gun.

You know, I'm not here
to upstage you, Joe.

I'm only here to help.

I wouldn't want your job
for all the beef in Texas.

[laughing]

Yeah, I can't help
but believe you.

Basketball starts up here.

Your job is to get inside
your players' heads.

You do that, everything
else will follow.

Let's get started.

Let's go.

Josh.

Jordan, hurry up
and get out there.

I want you to give Tex
your full attention.

I want you to learn his offense.

All right.

You're a leader of this team,

and I want you to
help your brother.

Help him do what?

Build his confidence, and
everybody else on this team.

But I haven't dissed
him in a long time, Dad.

Sometimes you don't
have say anything.

It's all on your face.

Look, we can't win
playoffs one on five.

It's a team effort,
it's mutual respect.

You got it?

Yes, sir.

All right, let's go.

All right, guys,
bring it in, come on.

[buzzer blaring]

-[engaging music]
-[crowd cheering]

[Trent] Hi-Top, it's not
much better for the Wildcats.

New assistant coach Tex Summers

trying to breathe some life
into the Wildcat offense.

[Hi-Top] Well, he's
gotta blow harder.

The boys just aren't responding.

[Trent] With that free throw,

DeSoto now leads by seven,
with under a minute to play.

Matt runs the ball
up center court.

Crossing the time line.

He passes to his brother Josh.

Josh, pass the ball!

What are you doing?

[Hi-Top] Oh, turn-over again.

-[crowd cheering]
-[crowd chanting]

[Trent] DeSoto pass
breaks down the court

for an uncontested
shot in the corner.

Ouch.

Oh, I tell you, Hi-Top.

The Wildcats are looking
for anything to work.

[Hi-Top] Look harder.

[Trent] Ball being
brought down center court.

Looking for an open man.

[Joe] Hondo, work
the ball inside.

[Trent] Hondo takes it
on the right time line.

Takes it inside,
inside to Mark Brown

with a little baby left
hook, he misses it.

Oh, Hi-Top, it's been that
kind of day for this team.

[Hi-Top] I'm afraid
that's the kind of year

we're in store for.

Despite a big scoring night
from junior Josh Conaghey,

the Wildcats are
going O and two.

We are no better off
than we were before.

Yeah, I know that, Kirby.

I can see that.

This whole Joe Conaghey
thing, it's a bust.

Well, what do you want me to do?

-Clean house?
-Yes!

That's not gonna happen.

Chester Richardson is
our biggest benefactor.

Listen, Kirby, I'm not
gonna fire Joe Conaghey

before the season even starts.

You understand that, right?

Just because Chester
Richardson is rich.

That's not what I said.

I didn't say that.

Tex Summers's a hack.

Yeah, well, Tex just got here.

Far as I'm concerned,
he gets more time.

-More time?
-That's right.

That's right.

Now, they don't produce after
that, I will fire them both.

I don't care what ChesterRichardson has to say about it.

-[soft music]
-Okay?

Okay.

Matt, Josh, wait up.

You saw the game, right?

We lost.

Hey, Sara, you look hot.

Stop it, Josh.

Listen, both of you.

I just heard Mr. Hunt and Mr.
Davies talking about your dad.

Not in a good way.

He's under a lot of pressure.

You know, the school
board wants him to win,

-and we just don't--
-Forget them.

It's fine.

It's not fine.

That's your dad
they're talking about.

Maybe you both
should support him.

Hey.

All they want is results,

and I had twenty-twelve.

[Matt scoffs]

Josh, Matt, supper.

-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.

You're late, where's
your brother?

Well, I don't know.

I'll get him.

[Laura] Your supper's
getting cold.

[soft music]

It's all right, I'm not hungry.

Dad send you out here?

No, I sent myself.

What's up?

It's always about Josh, Mom.

I mean, everything is
just always about him.

It's not true.

It's about our family
and about the team.

And you are an
important part of both.

It doesn't seem like that.

You're a good player, Matthew.

But I'm not as good as he is.

I mean, you know it.

Who got invited to
the Dallas Showcase?

Hondo and Josh.

Not me.

You remember when he used to
take you guys to the lake?

And what a good
swimmer you became?

And you and Josh used to
race to the dock?

You beat him every time.

Maybe I should have
joined the swim team.

Listen to me, Matthew.

Your brother has a talent.
Youhave a talent.

Accept it. Be glad.

Don't be jealous.

-I'm not jealous.
-Use your talents.

Never give up.

Think about that.

Okay.

Come inside and eat.

[hip hop music]

[whistle blows]

♪ The fourth quarter,
the time is now ♪

♪ For the first three go,
we just grind 'em down ♪

♪ Every man hold his own

♪ Player pound for pound

♪ Every man hold his own

♪ Player pound for pound

♪ You're now witnessing
the destruction ♪

♪ that anything
stands ♪

♪ The way you step
on the field ♪

♪ Is the way the
team planned it ♪

♪ By audible lives,
sometimes we run bandit ♪

♪ We bring it for four quartersand folks can't stand it ♪

♪ Title-taker

♪ Mr. Legendary Record-breaker

♪ Worth the contract

♪ That's why they
call me money maker ♪

♪ Even if you run the doubleteam, I'm still gone shake her ♪

♪ A simple play
becomes the game ♪

♪ Here to watch me shake 'em

♪ The fourth quarter,
the time is now ♪

♪ For the first three go,
we just grind 'em down ♪

♪ Every man hold his own

-♪♪
-[clapping]

-Fire, fire, fire.
-[music ends]

I'm Donny Nelson.

This is NBA great,
Rolando Blackman.

Popeye Jones.

Every scout, coach, general
manager worth his salt

has been here for three
days, across our great land,

to watch you guys
play basketball.

And on behalf of HeroesBasketball and the Cuban Center,

I just wanna thank you
guys for your hard work.

[applauding]

Now, you guys have
shown great focus,

great intensity throughout
this whole camp.

What's important right now is
that you do the job playing

the game of team basketball
and continue that forward.

That's what's most important.

You guys always know
that you need each other.

Pop?

Gentlemen, great job.

Let's bring it in.

Come on, bring it in,
let's bring it in.

Hard work on three.

One, two, three.

[All] Hard work!

-Yeah!
-[people chattering]

Coach Taylor?

Josh Conaghey.

I play for Woodrow Wilson.

Yeah, I know who you are.

You did some nice work
out there today, son.

Any coach would be
lucky to have you.

Thank you, sir.

Do you think I could
have a word with you?

Well, sure.

Well, playing for a small school

means that I don't
get the opportunity

to play for a lot of people.

Important people, that is.

And I would love for the
chance to play in Dallas.

Look son, I'm not one
to beat around the bush,

but if I tried to get
you to play for me,

I'll be in violation of school
recruitment regulations.

Now, I do have an open
spot in my roster,

but you have to have a legal
guardian in the district

in order to transfer
to Lakeview.

Now, if you were able to
make all those things happen,

with no interference from me

and no assistance
from me of any kind

then I'd like to see you
in a Lakeview uniform.

That's awesome, sir.

Now, just to clarify.

You haven't started
district play yet, right?

-No, sir.
-Well, good.

Well then Lakeview will be atremendous opportunity for you.

We have plenty of college
scouts at our ballgames.

Well, that's great, sir.

I need to talk to my dad, but
I'll try to make this work.

I don't even think Coach
Conaghey would deny,

playing for Lakeview would
be the chance of a lifetime.

But, if he wants to
call me, here's my card.

I'll do my best to
make this happen.

And, Josh, once district play
starts, it'll be too late.

Oh, I'll get right back to you.

Good.

[Tex] Now Josh was just a
junior,

a year younger than Matt,

but he was a natural.

Matt, on the other hand, had
to work real hard for it.

And he still could never
do enough to match

the magic of his brother.

The team was getting the hang ofthe offense.

But Josh was like a young,
headstrong stallion.

And a twist of fate
was about to happen.

I just wouldn't want to see youmiss an opportunity to shine,

make the playoffs with us.

But I'll shine up there.

Coach Taylor said
he had one spot. One.

And he's looking
at other players.

You might spend a
season on the bench,

or you might not
make the team at all.

I'll make the team, Dad.

I don't get it, I thought
you wanted the best for me.

I do.

I do.

I just don't think this

is the right thing
for you right now.

The right thing
for you,you mean.

I have a chance to do
something really big here.

I could get a D-One scholarship.

I just think you're too
young to make this choice.

You just want me
to hang out here,

in this hick town
and go nowhere,

just so you can look good?

You can forget it.

I'm going.

[Laura] He could stay
with my Aunt Julie.

[scoffs] No.

[Laura] She lives
in the district.

No, I don't want to
put that burden on her.

She'd have to be
his legal guardian,

for him to go to
school up there.

She wouldn't mind.

I'm worried about her
keeping up with him.

She's 80-years old.

She's only 76.

Yeah, [chuckles]
only seventy-six.

It won't be a problem.

It'll be a blessing.

Aunt Julie's been alone for
almost five years since

Uncle Willie died.

It'll be good for her,
and for Josh.

Oh, admit it, Joe.

As much as we don't
wanna let him go,

this could be a really
big break for him.

And if we don't let him
try, he'll never know.

He might hate us for that.

Are you afraid of what will
happen if he leaves the team?

[soft music]

I'm afraid of him failing.

He's never played for
anybody else before.

My stomach churns just
thinking about him

playing for Stan Taylor.

Stan Taylor.

You can't protect him forever.

I think we should let
him make his own decision

and then stand by him.

[Matt] Good luck in Dallas.

Thanks.

Wish you weren't going.

I would have thought this wouldbe the best thing for you.

With me not hogging
the ball all the time,

this is your chance to step up.

I'm still gonna miss you.

It's your team now.

Trust yourself.

I got this for you.

[soft music]

[Josh] Thanks, Matt.

[Laura] Did you say
goodbye to your brother?

-Yes, ma'am.
-Did you get your Bible?

Yeah, a gift from Matt.

Okay, do your best, son.

[Josh] I will.

[Laura] Okay.

I'll see you later, honey.

[Laura] You guys
drive friendly, okay?

Call me when you get there?

[engine firing]

-[door squeaking]

[Osmond] Now, Kirby, you're
just not listening to me.

Osmond, the man is
clearly incompetent.

He just let one of
our best players

go to some dad-blamed
school in Dallas.

Well, it's his son.

He can do whatever
he wants with him.

He should have stopped him.

Now, why?

Why would he do that?

It's a chance for
something better.

We need something better,

and letting that boy go
just killed our chances.

Our season is over
before it even begins.

Kirby, calm down.

I'm not gonna calm down.

Listen to me, Joe is
not going anywhere.

Why not?

The Board and I agree that
Conaghey should be fired

before the district
games start next week,

so we get a real coach in here

and start a whole new program.

That's not gonna happen.

I made a deal with Chester.

Why do you keep
kissing Chester's butt?

Do what's right, man.

Oh, I am gonna do what's right.

Starting right now.

Now, you gentlemen enjoy
the rest of your day.

[engaging music]

[bell ringing]

We're glad to have you aboard.

Welcome to Patriots Country.

Thank you, sir.

You all settled
in at your aunt's?

-Yes, sir.
-Good.

Well, first practice is
Monday at four o'clock,

and we'll see you there.

Looking forward to it.

By the way, how's
that dad of yours?

Oh, he's doing fine.

Good.

Good.

Hi.

Hi.

[laughs] Josh, now you be sure
and put your dirty laundry

in that wicker
basket by the stairs.

Yes, ma'am.

And I know you have
practice every day,

so I'll have dinner
ready at seven.

If you're going to be
later, you call me.

I will.

I know you don't have a car.

So, you can use one of
my bikes, if you'd like.

You have bikes?

Three of 'em.

I like to ride.

Keeps me in shape.

Now, if you need anything,
you just let me know.

I will.

Thanks, Aunt Julie.

Now, you put that in the trash

out there in the back, okay?

-All right.
-All right.

What's that thing do again?

Pumps insulin and keeps my
diabetes in check.

Does it hurt?

No, not at all. It just helps melive a normal life.

Let's go get swole.

Hey, how you think Josh
is doing in Dallas?

[X] Superstar?

[laughing] I'm sure
he'll be fine.

Do y'all even think we
can make it without him?

Yeah, man.

What do you say, Matt?

Of course we can, all right?

Don't even ask that question.

Now, come on guys.

You have to have more
faith in us than that.

Chill out, man.

Put some more weight
on this thing.

-[players grumbling]
-All right.

Big talk, let's see it.

You can't get that.

Let's see it, big dog.

Now, listen up, listen up.

If we don't start focusing,
we're not going anywhere.

And that is too much
weight for you, man.

-What?
-That's too much weight.

What are you? [laughs]

-[player grunting]
-All right, do it again.

[groaning]

[players cheering]

Hercules, Hercules.

[upbeat dance music]

Hi.

I'm Heather.

I'm glad you could make it.

Welcome to Lakeview.

Molly, Randy, this is Josh.

What's up, man?

I'm Randy Toth, team captain.

Welcome to the Patriots.

Thanks.

Heard you made an impression
on the coaching staff, man.

Ah, I just wanna play.

That's good, man, I
like that attitude.

Hey, everybody.

Come meet the new guy.

It's Josh Conaghey.

I'm Keeshon.

Welcome.

Hi, man, I'm Keenan.

Harry.

Josh.

[Randy] Coach Taylor
hand-picked this guy.

You must be pretty
good then, huh?

I'm all right.

We'll soon see, won't we?

You must be Josh.

-Hey, Erin
-What's up?

Excuse us.

-[people chattering]
-Mmmmm.

I'm Erin.

Well then, nice to meet you.

So.

What do you think, country boy?

You look great.

[chuckles] I know that.

I meant, Lakeview.

Oh. [chuckles]

I'm excited.

About what?

Playing with a
little rubber ball?

See you later...

Josh.

[Tex] Every man
meets his Delilah,

at least once in his life.

And Josh Conaghey met his.

[whistle blaring]

[shoes squeaking]

[players chattering]

[Player] So, have you
seen the rookie yet?

-No, not yet.
-[whistle blaring]

Randy, you're out.

-Josh, you're in.
-[engaging music]

Hey, don't worry
about all them, man.

You do what you do, all right?

Okay, run zipper seven again.

Set it up top.

Let's go.

[whistle blaring]

Get that weak stuff outta here.

Next time, pass the ball.

Conaghey, set it up again.

Good start today.

Let's hit the showers.

Let's get home early
and get on those books.

No stopping along the way.

Good job.

Good practice, man.

Yeah, it was a good job.

[Josh] Just a dirty
screen, Aunt Julie.

-Works fine.
-[Julie laughing]

Bless your heart. You sure are
handy to have around.

I'm gonna set the
table for dinner. You wash up.

Okay.

[sniffs] Ugh!

-[people cheering]
-[people chattering]

[Trent] I tell you, Hi-Top.

The district opener is
proving to be a nail-biter.

[Hi-Top] Yeah, since
superstar Josh Conaghey

left for the big city,

the Wildcats finally
resemble a team.

[Trent] Cedar Hill up by one
with nineteen seconds left.

[Hi-Top] The defense
must make a stop.

[Trent] Cedar Hill
looking to take it inside.

-The shot.
-Not in my house.

That's what I'm talking about.

[Trent] Oh, my!

Thomas blocked the ball
and Xavier White's there

and passes to Alex
for the layup.

Wildcats up by one.

Thirteen seconds left.

Can the Wildcats hold on to
win the first district game?

-Defense [all clapping]
-[Hi-Top] Just don't foul.

[Trent] Oh, I tell you.

It has never been louder here.

Six seconds, Cedar Hill
passes to the left.

[Hi-Top] Watch the screen.

[Trent] Smith gets
the ball down low.

But, ah, no, no!

-Xavier fouls him.
-[buzzer blaring]

[Trent] Oh, my,
with no time left,

Smith is going to the line.

The Wildcats are up by one,
but Smith has two free throws.

-Come on, X.
-I'd like a replay,

to see if he got fouled
before the buzzer.

Well the refs are getting
everybody behind the line.

[Hi-Top] You know, it's
always harder to shoot

with no one in the lane.

[Trent] Yeah, Hi-Top,

but Smith is an 80%
plus free throw shooter.

He takes the ball, he
studies, he shoots.

-[crowd groaning]
-That tied it.

[Trent] Well, Smith has
one more for the win.

[Hi-Top] Come on,
Wildcats faithful.

Yell.

-[Hi-Top] Scream.
-[Ref] One shot.

[Trent] Smith steps
up to the line.

Gets his feet set.

[crowd booing]

This is a very important
shot, to say the least.

[Hi-Top] Oh, that
one hurts, Trent.

[Trent] Oh, Cedar Hill
beats our Wildcats on two.

Jason Smith free throws with
no time left on the clock.

[Hi-Top] The first
district game,

the first game
without Josh Conaghey.

[Trent] Hi-Top, what does
Coach Conaghey say to his team

after this one?

All right, we're O
and one in district.

We still have a long season
and a lot of work to do.

We'll talk about that on Monday.

Go and get some rest.

A lot of work to do?

I thought that's what the last
month of practice was for.

Josh was our best player, man.

I don't get it.

Listen, we're still a
good team, all right?

Man, how could your dad
just let Josh go like that?

-Yeah.
-[Tex] Matt?

May I have a word with you?

[Matt] Yes, sir.

[soft music]

Don't worry about
all the griping.

That just means they wanna win.

We need to take all this energyand focus on the positive.

I'm sorry, sir, we?

This is your chance to
lead this team, Matt.

The season isn't lost,
unless you think it's lost.

You need to take charge.

Believe in your talent
and trust the system.

You can do this, son.

I believe in you.

Thanks, Coach.

[Tex] Get it done.

-Hey coach.
-Hey.

-[Matt] Hey.
-Hey you.

Everything okay?

Yeah, yeah I think so.

I'm gonna go change.
Wait for me?

Yeah.

[Matt chuckles]

[Joe] What'd Josh have to say?

[Laura] That he misses us,
but the team is good.

He loves Aunt Julie, but
he hates her cooking.

If I remember
correctly, so did you.

I never said I
hated her cooking.

I said it was
"eclectic cuisine."

[chuckles] I hope we
made the right decision

by letting him go.

What are you worried about?

It's out of our hands.

Yep.

I just miss having him around.

I can't believe I lost
him to Stan Taylor.

I know.

He's growing up way
quicker than I expected.

What about the rest of the team?

[sighs] I don't know if I
can get it done without him.

Now, we should have
a winning season.

But now, with the pressures
of making the playoffs,

and the Board's
negativity is getting back

to the boys and their parents.

-I don't know.
-[soft music]

Maybe it's time I stepped down.

After all the hard
work you've put in?

Maybe it's the best
thing for everybody.

I mean, now with the
added distractions

and the new assistant coach.

I don't know.

Maybe it's the
right thing to do.

Don't think that way.

Everybody blames me
for letting Josh go.

And nothing's going the
way it's supposed to.

Sure it is.

It just may not be
happening the way

that youthink it should.

Why don't you call
him on his cell?

-[Laura] Mmmhmm.
-That's a good idea.

[chopping]

Smells good. What is it?

Your mother's favorite.

Braised pork belly with honey
and raspberry sauce.

[cell phone ringing]

Dad! Sorry Aunt Julie I gotta
take this.

Okay.

Hey dad. Sure glad to
hear from you.

Mmm, there he is now.

He is cute.

Ooh, I think so, too.

Just back off, girls.

He's mine.

For now.

Why should we?

Just do it.

Whatever.

Hey, country boy.

Hi.

Walk with me.

You could walk with me.

Or me.

[chuckles] Ignore them.

They're just jealous.

How's it going?

Great.

Coach says he'll give me some
playing time in the next game.

That's exciting.

So what are you
doing this Saturday?

Homework, helping my aunt
with stuff around the house.

[chuckles] That sounds boring.

Think you'll get a chance
to get away for a while?

I guess so, why?

We're having a party.

Wanna come?

Yeah, sure.

-Yeah?
-Where's it gonna be?

Heather's parents are
leaving town for the weekend

and they're letting
us use their house.

Awesome.

What time is it?

Eight or nine.

Things won't really get
going 'til around 10.

Ah, that, that's late.

I have to be home by 11.

[girls chuckling]

11?

I haven't had to be home by
11 since the seventh grade.

I'm sorry, I guess there's not
much to do where you're from.

No, I mean, there's
plenty to do.

It's just that, you
know, my parents.

Well, I mean, I
could push it to 12.

What kind of party is it?

-A fun one.
-[soft music]

See you at my place.

Bye.

[bell ringing]

[exhales loudly]

[Josh] Okay, Aunt
Julie, I'm off.

Behave yourself.

Don't stay out too late.

I'll be home by 12.

Your mother says 11.

[chuckles] She keeps forgetting

that I haven't had
to be home by 11

since the seventh grade.

Shall I call her?

No, ma'am.

[Julie] Who's picking you up?

I was gonna take the bike?

Okay, since you
don't have a ride,

I'll give you an
extra thirty minutes,

but don't mess with me or
you'll get the frying pan.

Yes, ma'am.

[hip hop music]

♪ Certified third coaster
with a gangsta lean ♪

♪ If cash moves everything,
we 'bout the dream ♪

♪ Recognized worldwide,
you can't fade the team ♪

♪ Hit the block so good,
I better role with clean ♪

♪ Certified third coaster
with a gangsta lean ♪

♪ If cash moves everything,
we 'bout the dream ♪

♪ Recognized worldwide,
you can't fade the team ♪

-[rap music continues]
-Hey, country boy.

You finally made it.

I'm sorry I'm late.

It took longer than I expected.

Would you like a drink?

Sure, yeah.

A soda would be great.

[chuckles] Come on.

Follow me.

♪ Certified third coaster,
with a gangsta lean ♪

♪ If cash moves everything,
we 'bout the dream ♪

♪ Recognized worldwide,
you can't fade the team ♪

♪ They say it's raw,
the way I give it to ya ♪

-[rap music continues]
-I don't drink.

Oh, really?

Well, then what
do you do for fun?

What's the matter?

Don't you like girls?

Watch the pink, watch the pink.

-[Josh grunts]
-[people groaning]

-[whistle blaring]
-Conaghey, you're out.

Keeshon, go on in.

That's third time today, son.

You look ragged.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Yes, sir, I'm getting
enough sleep, sir.

Then pay some
attention out there.

[engaging music]

[Trent] I tell you, Hi-Top.

The Wildcats have caught on
fire after those early losses.

[Hi-Top] Who'd think
our district record

would be six and two,

looking like we're
going to seven and two?

[Trent] Jordan Green takes
the ball from the wing

and drives the middle.

-Oh, my!
-[crowd cheering]

[Hi-Top] J.G. slams
that one with authority.

[Trent] And the
Wildcats get another W.

[Hi-Top] Coach Joe Conaghey
finally has his Wildcat team

headed in the right direction.

-[music playing on car radio]
-[kissing sounds]

♪ Gives me hope to carry on

It's late.

You better get inside before
your auntie gets upset.

Ah, come on.

I live here.

I have to follow her rules.

Don't you wanna be with me?

Yeah, I do.

I really like you.

I like you, too.

[chuckles]

Oh.

[Josh laughs]

You better go.

[laughs] Well.

-[door squeaking]
-[soft music]

[Aunt Julie] Josh.

This isn't Saturday night, son.

What are you doing coming in
after 10 on a school night?

I'm sorry I didn't
call, Aunt Julie.

I was late.

I was working on free throws.

Oh, don't.

I know.

Your coach wants you to
come home after practice.

[sniffs]

And you tell your
friends, or friend,

that you owe it to
yourself and your kin

to follow the rules
of personal integrity.

When you know you have a
curfew, you abide by it.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm sorry, it
won't happen again.

Now get on up to bed.

[engaging music]

[Trent] I can't
say enough, Hi-Top,

about how senior Matt
Conaghey has stepped up

to lead this Wildcat team.

Matt passes to X.

X-Man drives hard to the middle.

He lifts.

-He shoots.
-[buzzer blaring]

[Hi-Top] Get in there.

[Trent] Inside, oh,
it, it drops in!

[Hi-Top] The Wildcats
win at the buzzer.

[Trent] Xavier hit the jumper.

The Wildcats win again.

[Hi-Top] This is the mostexcitement this school has seen

since I played here.

[Trent] And that was a
long time ago, Hi-Top.

-[Hi-Top laughing]
-[people chattering]

[cheerleaders]
Let's go, let's go!

Hey, son.

How is everything?

[Matt] Oh, everything's good.

Should get some playing
time in the next week.

Oh, that's great, that's great.

You want me to
come up for a game?

[Matt] Oh, let me get one
game under my belt first.

How's your season going?

It's going better.

We won three games in a row.

Your brother, he has
really stepped it up.

I miss you.

[Matt] Miss you too, Dad.

[car horn beeping]

-[upbeat music]
-Hey.

-Hey.
-Hop in.

Well, where are you going?

Not me.

Us, and we are going to a party.

Now, hop in.

[car alert beeping]

-[players chattering]
-[shoes squeaking]

-[whistle blaring]
-All right, good job.

Trey, you have got to
help on defense, man.

-Sorry, Coach.
-Go!

Mr. Conaghey, nice
of you to join us.

This is the second
time this week

you have been late to practice.

If you want to be
part of this team,

you have got to get focused
or I'm gonna cut you.

You got it?

Yes, sir.

Good.

All right, set it up.

Set it up!

[whistle blaring]

And once again, in spite of
seemingly impossible odds,

General MacArthur
spearheaded this operation.

Well, that concludes our
overview of the Korean War,

but what about that
Battle of Inchon?

-[book slams]
-[Josh gasps]

Mr. Conaghey, can you tell us
about the Battle of Inchon?

I didn't think so.

♪ Baby king, baby

♪ Baby king, king

♪ Celebrate the birth
of the baby king ♪

♪ Oh, what joy
it's gonna bring ♪

♪ When we celebrate the
birth of the baby king ♪

-♪ Of the baby king
-[funky hip hop beat]

♪ Ooh

♪ Oh, baby king

♪ Baby Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! ♪

♪ Ohhhhhh!

[radio clicks, music stops]

Morning.

Good afternoon, you mean?

You look a sight.

-I had a rough--
-Oh, save it.

You are lucky that
this is the Lord's week

or I would have
chained you to a chair.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Actions speak louder than words.

Now, go get yourself somebreakfast or lunch or whatever.

And don't be planning
any practice sessions.

We're going to church early.

♪ On Christmas day, the
angels said a child was born ♪

♪ To save the day

♪ We're gonna dance

♪ We're gonna sing and celebratethe birth of the baby king ♪

-[vehicle whirring]
-[horns blaring]

[festive music]

-♪ Love came down at Christmas -[crowd clapping]

♪ Angels gave a sign

♪ For all the world

♪ The Father's love

♪ Came down at
Christmas time ♪

♪ Love came down at Christmas

♪ Angels gave a sign

-[Joe mumbles]
-Hey!

Merry Christmas.

Oh.

[boys chattering]

♪ Love came down at Christmas

♪ Angels gave a sign

♪ For all the world

♪ The Father's love

♪ Came down at
Christmas time ♪

[all applauding]

Thanks for not letting on.

[laughs] It was well
worth the surprise.

Ah, I miss you guys so much.

Oh, you should have
seen your face.

All right, all right, come on.

I'm taking us all
out to eat, let's go.

Oh, I could whip
something up at home.

No, thank you, Aunt Julie.

It's Christmas Eve.

That's a great idea, Dad.

I hope Josh wasn't any trouble.

Oh, no, no.

He knows I'd box his
ears if he was. [laughs]

Yes, ma'am.

I can't wait to come up
here and watch you play.

Yeah, me too.

I'm glad the Wildcats
are doing so well.

Oh, yeah, man, it's been tough,

but things are really
starting to gel, you know.

Hey Josh, come here.

Hey. What's up?

Just getting ready for school.

[tense music]

Josh.

We need a word with you.

Boys, excuse us.

[players groaning]

Am I in trouble?

It's beyond that, son.

Mr. Fallon saw you today
with some other students.

But I didn't do anything.

It doesn't matter if
you did or you didn't.

We have a zero tolerance
policy here, son.

-That's it, you're out.
-But--

Your behavior just
hasn't been right lately.

I think you know that.

You need to get some help, Josh.

We're gonna be sending
a letter to your aunt,

announcing your expulsion.

You need to clear
out your locker

before you leave the campus.

Now, I need your
signature on this.

And you can have a copy to keep.

[Erin chuckling]

Where have you been?

I waited almost an hour.

[indifferent] Sorry.

Hold on, I needed
to talk to you.

About what?

-I told you it was important.
-[dramatic music]

I won't be long.

I'll meet you guys at Heather's.

[chuckles] Whatever.

So guess what?

I made cheerleader.

Great.

That's great.

Now what was so important?

I got busted.

I heard.

And you're off the team.

Yeah.

Yeah, can we go somewhere
and talk about this?

No.

I don't think
that's a good idea.

What do you mean, a good idea?

I mean, I don't think I
should be seeing you anymore.

What?

Listen.

I thought you were cool,

but I guess all those
rumors about country boys

being dumb are right, huh?

I can't believe
you just said that.

Believe it.

Listen, we were
getting stale anyway.

Now that I made cheerleader,
I gotta protect my image.

Can't being hanging
around a loser.

You got busted.

You're trouble.

[Marshall] Hey, Erin.

Hey, Marshall, can you
take me to Heather's?

Sure.

[whistle blaring]

[Trent] And that's gonna do it,

as Parish dribbles
out the clock.

Losing by 23.

-[buzzer blaring]
-Their second in a row.

[crowd groaning]

[whistle blaring]

[Tex] Back home, things weren'tfairing too well either.

Mr. Momentum had changed jerseys

and the team's winning
streak came to an end.

It seemed like their
season was all but over.

We lose one more game, and
we're out of the playoffs.

Don't go there, Matt.

Trust your God-given talent.

You're assistant
coach, say something.

Well, boys.

There's a time in
every person's life

when it seems like no
matter what they try to do,

nothing seems to change.

But boys, you can't keep
winning all the time.

And you can't keep losing
all the time either.

Unless you quit.

So quit it.

Now, go get changed.

Tex.

"Just quit it"?

-Yeah.
-Just--?

That's genius.

That's just genius.

Yeah, Mom.

Just tell Dad to pick
me up at the station.

Okay, love you too.

What did Coach Stanton say,

when you told him you
wanted to go home?

He wasn't too happy,
but he understood.

I know you'll be glad to
get back with your family.

I'm gonna go upstairs,
finish packing.

[soft music]

You be sure and call me
when you get home, you hear?

Thanks for everything,
Aunt Julie.

[Julie] Oh.

You bet.

[Tex] Josh was alone.

And afraid he could
never go home again.

So he took the easy way out,

by running away.

[Junkie] Hey man,
want some dope?

Come on, buy some dope.

[somber music]

[Trent] In this first half

against the heavily
favored Heroes,

the Wildcats have played
with incredible energy.

[Hi-Top] Trent, that's 'cause
they know if they lose,

they won't make the playoffs.

[Trent] Hi-Top, it's been
a great defensive battle.

Back and forth between the
Wildcats and the Heroes.

[Hi-Top] Defense is how you win.

Winner of this game
may be the team

who has the last possession.

[Trent] And with that shot,

the Wildcats have
tied the Heroes!

Alright listen up, guys. Tex.

You played a good half, boys.

But remember, don't
hold the ball too long.

Rotation, crisp passes, cut
through the lane.

Be patient and
something will open up.

Coach?

Let's go finish this game.

[ominous music]

Kid, take that.

And don't be late tomorrow.

No, sir, I won't.

Take that to the dumpster.

Yes, sir.

[Trent] The Wildcats
now trail by one,

and they have the
last possession.

[Hi-Top] They're running
Tex Summers' oval offense,

trying to give Matt the ball.

[Trent] Matt clears
through the screens.

Gets the pass, spins, shoots.

-[buzzer blaring]
-It's in.

[crowd cheering]

[Trent] Wildcats win.

Hi-Top, these Wildcats
just do not quit.

[Hi-Top] This is a game

they were not supposed
to win, Trent.

[Trent] Oh, but somehow
they found a way.

[Hi-Top] Yeah, they did.

On the back of
senior Matt Conaghey.

[Trent] He has definitely
come into his own,

since his brother Josh
transferred to Dallas.

[Hi-Top] What a day
for the Wildcat fans.

[Trent] And especially
Coach Conaghey

and his son, Matthew.

[dramatic music]

[garbage rustling]

[bangs dumpster]

[Aunt Julie on phone] Laura, I
just spoke to the school

and got the whole story.

You can't blame
yourself, Julie, okay?

You call the police in Dallas
and I'll call 'em here.

I already have.

We'll find him.

I just, I'm worried 'cause
he must be in trouble,

or he wouldn't have
made up such a lie.

If anything happens to that boy,

I'll never forgive myself.

Um, I have to go find Joe.

I'll call you later, okay?

-Bye.
-[phone beeps]

Oh, my God, what's wrong?

-[Laura crying]
-What's wrong?

[people chattering]

[gagging]

[groans]

I reported him
missing to the police.

You keep trying his cell phone.

I have, but he's not answering.

I just can't believe this, Joe.

Neither can I, but we
gotta get him home.

He must be in so much pain.

All the more reason to get
him home as soon as possible.

I'm gonna go by the school,

and I'm gonna tell
Tex what's going on.

Then I'm going to Dallas.

I'm coming with you.

-No, you're not.
-No, I'm coming with you.

No, you're not.

You're gonna stay
here by the phone.

If you hear anything,
you call me.

[sobs] Joe.

-[door slams]
-[engine starting]

[slow engaging music]

[Tex] Joe searched high and low,all over the city, for his son.

But his search was in vein.

Josh was alone,
afraid and ashamed.

He felt like he could never gohome again and face his father.

-[crickets chirping]
-[somber music]

♪♪

-[gasping]
-[dramatic uptempo music]

[breathing heavily]

Hello, somebody let
me in, please!

[banging on door] Hello!

♪♪

[crying] I'm sorry, dad.

[Junkie] Hey, little
man, you in pain?

I got something to
take all your pain away.

[birds chirping]

[footsteps approaching]

-[Joe sniffling]
-[keys rattling]

-[soft music]
-Dad?

[keys clanking on ground]

Josh.

I can't believe
you're home.

[sniffles] Oh, thank
God, you're back.

-Are you okay?
-Yeah.

I'm sorry.

I let you down.

No, no, no.

I let everybody down.

It doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter, okay?

I don't care what happened.

I'm just so glad you're back.

[Josh sniffles] I was
afraid to come back.

I was afraid you
wouldn't love me anymore.

I was afraid you'd
never forgive me.

I could never stop loving you.

I forgive you.

No strings, no conditions.

So you're not mad?

[both sniffling]

No, I'm not mad.

But we willdiscuss
this when we get home.

So you got expelled
from Lakeview.

Yes, sir.

And Coach Stan took
you off the roster?

Yes, sir.

He made me sign this.

You wanna play tonight?

-What?
-Do you wanna play tonight?

-Yeah.
-Then go get suited up.

This piece of paper
makes it legal.

I'll put you back on the
lineup with the officials.

Go.

♪ Uh-oh, uh-oh
♪ Uh-oh, uh-oh

♪ They want us, yeah

♪ They got us, yeah

♪ They want us, yeah

♪ They got us, yeah

♪ Uh-oh, uh-oh

Whoa, whoa, whoa

Dang, Josh.

What's up, X?

[X] You look rough, dog.

-Yeah.
-You gonna watch us play?

Nah, I'm playing.

For real, with us?

Yeah, I'm back.

Oh, my man, we could
really use you.

[players] Yeah!

[players chattering]

[player] Playoffs tonight.

-[soft music]
-[sniffling]

Dad, what's going on?

[sobs] Your
brother's home, Matt.

He came home.

How can you do this?

How are you gonna forgive him

after everything
he's done to you?

Matt, he came home.

What'd you want me to do?

I don't know, but, he
doesn't care about us, Dad.

He cares about himself.

That's it.

Matt, please.

Matt.

You're my oldest,
you're my rock.

I can always count on you.

Everything I have is yours,

but your brother was a lostsoul, and now he's found again.

And right now, he needs
all our love and support.

Dad, I've worked
so hard and you,

you're just gonna
let him come back

and act like nothing happened.

I know, but I would have
done the same for you.

That's not fair.

That's not fair.

Whatever happened taught
Josh a valuable lesson,

and I don't think punishing
him is gonna change anything.

And I forgive him.

You need to do the same.

I gotta go call your mother.

[ominous music]

Matt, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that I hurt you.

You know, when I ran
away, I was really scared.

And I thought,
what would you do?

Because you always seem to
make better decisions.

And I really look up to you.

I love you, Josh.

Come here.

All right, you're my
brother, all right?

Welcome back, brother.

Welcome back.

Amen, brother!

-[players laughing]
-[players cheering]

All right. [yells]

Calm down, calm down.

Listen up, listen up.

I'm sure you know by now that
Josh is back on the team.

[players cheering]

Yeah, I know, I
know, I know, I know.

No matter what happens tonight,

we're gonna have a
party at my house.

Win or lose, we're
gonna celebrate.

[players chattering]

We're gonna win!

We're gonna win!

Guys, this is for the playoffs.

-Playoffs!
-[players chattering]

♪ Uh-oh, uh-oh

-♪ They want us, yeah
-Matt!

-♪ They got us, yeah
-Matt!

♪ They want us, yeah

♪ They got us, yeah

-♪ Uh-oh, uh-oh
-Go get dressed, son.

♪ Ooh, ah, yeah, it's on

♪ Ooh, ah, yeah, it's on

♪ Ooh, ah, yeah, it's on ♪

[Trent] I tell you, Hi-Top.

Could it be any
bigger than this?

The last district game.

The final minute.

[Hi-Top] And we're
all tied up, Trent.

[Trent] Josh Conaghey is
back playing with the team,

but Texas High has the ball.

[Hi-Top] Trent, they're
running through their offense,

taking valuable
time off the clock

and working for that last shot.

[Trent] Coming off the pick,

Dion Houston takes
the pass, pulls up.

Ow!

[Hi-Top] That's too easy.

You've got to
contest every shot.

[Trent] Well, the
Wildcats are down by two.

[Hi-Top] They may have
scored too quick, Trent.

We need a two to tie
or a three to win.

Matt crosses the half
court line, passes to Josh,

who drives the middle

and looks like he's gonna
take the opening shot,

but instead he passes in the
corner to his brother, Matt,

who takes a three-pointer!

[buzzer blaring]

-It's in!
-[crowd cheering]

Matt Conaghey buries the three.

[Hi-Top] He made it.

The Wildcats are
going to the playoffs.

The Wildcats are
going to the playoffs!

[Trent] Hi-Top, I don't think
there's anybody in this gym,

player, coach, or fan, that
didn't think Josh Conaghey

was gonna take that last shot.

[Hi-Top] But instead he passed
off to his older brother,

who hit the open shot.

[Trent] And like your teams,
Hi-Top, back in the day,

the Wildcats are
going to the playoffs!

Yeah, Matt Conaghey
was a hero that night.

And the Wildcats
made the playoffs.

And Josh Conaghey finally
found the open man.

-[bright music playing]
♪ You've gotta have faith

I wanna thank you, Osmond,
for sticking with the plan.

Oh, I appreciate that, Chester.

I really do, thank you.

Now, if I'm not mistaken,

we need new uniforms
for the football team.

Well, I've heard some
people mention that, yeah.

Well, I guess we're gonna

have to look into
that, won't we?

Yes, sir, I guess we will.

All right, listen up, everybody.

Listen up.

First, I wanna thank the manupstairs for my beautiful wife,

my two sons, Tex
Summer, my amazing team.

[crowd applauding]

Our hard work paid off,

and now it's off
to the playoffs!

[all cheering]

-Yeah!
-Yeah!

Hey, I kinda had a hunch it
was gonna work out like this.

You probably knew all
along, didn't you?

No, I didn't know anything.

I just had faith.

You oughta try it sometimes.

Joe coached some great games
all throughout the playoffs.

The boys never played better.

And that's it.

What, wait, no, what
about the state finals?

Well, okay.

Who do you think we played?

I don't know.

Who?

Just like in a Hollywood movie.

None other than the
Lakeview Patriots.

-[engaging music]
-[crowd cheering]

[Trent] Well,
Hi-Top, here we are,

and David versus
Goliath comes to mind,

as our Wildcats take on the
Lakeview Centennial Patriots,

coached by the
great Stan Taylor.

[Hi-Top] Take that, Stan.

[Trent] That's a dunk
by Josh Conaghey.

Remember it was
just three weeks ago

that Conaghey
played for Lakeview.

[Hi-Top] Yeah, well,
we're glad to have him

back where he belongs.

Lakeview's big center, Jeff
Grizell, is unstoppable.

[Hi-Top] He is scoring at will.

Coach Conaghey's gonna
have to make adjustments

at halftime, Trent.

[Trent] Lakeview leads by six

in the closing minutes
of the first half,

as the Wildcats
bring up the ball.

[Hi-Top] The Wildcats
are getting good shots,

but they're just not falling.

Come on, come on.

[Trent] Lakeview brings
the ball up to court

for the final look
of the first half.

[Hi-Top] You know what I'd do,

I'd double team Patriot
captain Randy Toth.

[Trent] Toth spots
up on the left wing.

[buzzer blaring]

He shoots a long free and
hits as the buzzer sounds.

[Hi-Top] Oh, this is
not how the Wildcats

wanted to end the first half.

Oh, Coach Taylor
couldn't be happier

with the play of his Patriots.

Going to the locker room
with an 11-point lead.

[crowd cheering]

Wisdom, knowledge.

Knowledge is knowing
the facts, gentlemen.

And wisdom is knowing what
to do with those facts.

Now, it's common knowledge.

It's a fact that this team
knows how to play basketball.

We wouldn't be here, gentlemen,if that wasn't the truth.

But it's how we implement the
wisdom of our preparation.

How we rely on one another
and how we honor our school,

which is ultimately
gonna determine

whether we bring home a victory.

[soft music]

Now, I could stand up here,

and I can give you a cliche
speech of how all the papers

and all the sportswriters
are saying how the Patriots

are gonna take home
another state championship.

Y'all are too smart for that.

I promise you, you are here,

'cause you are
supposed to be here.

You can believe that.

Look at the man next to you.

Go ahead.

Take his hand.

I love each and every one of
you like you're my own son.

Y'all are all brothers.

Bring it in.

[Coach Conaghey] Ok, men.
We've come a long ways

to get to this point.

We've learned some toughlessons, but we've come together

as a family. And as a family we
can count on each other,

trust each other,

no matter what.

-Let's break.
-[all] Break!

Let's go win a ballgame, boys.

-[players cheering]
-[players chattering]

This is your team now, Joe.

You don't need me anymore.

You, my friend, have
all the wisdom you need.

-[engaging music]
-[crowd cheering]

[Trent] Welcome back
to the second half

of the state final
championship game

between the heavily-favored
Lakeview Centennial Patriots

and your Woodrow
Wilson Wildcats.

[Hi-Top] Even though Matt
Conaghey missed that shot,

the Wildcats are playing
it patient, Trent.

[Trent] With four
minutes left to play,

the Patriots bring the ball up.

Oh, that's an alley-oop
to Darius Singleton!

[Hi-Top] The Wildcats
continue to have trouble

-with the Patriots' size
-Timeout!

-And talent.
-Time out!

[Trent] Coach Joe
Conaghey takes a time out.

Get in here, come on.

[Hi-Top] My guess is he
wants to get his team focused

for the final minutes.

Come on, come on.

Get in here.

All right, look up.

Look at me, guys,
come on, look at me.

-Having fun, right?
-[triumphant music]

This is fun.

-Isn't it?
-Yeah.

It is.

All these people, look
at 'em, look at 'em.

All these people came
to watch you guys play.

All right?

Enjoy yourself.

Have fun.

Who's got talent?

[Players] We do.

-Who's got talent?
-We do!

-Who's got talent?
-We do!

Get out there
and play some ball!

One, two, three.

-Wildcats!
-[crowd cheering]

-Come on, guys!
-[engaging music]

[Trent] Okay, we're
back from the timeout.

[Hi-Top] Did you notice a change

when they broke from the huddle?

[Trent] I sure did, Hi-Top.

They looked like they believe
they can win this game.

Oh, look at it, a slam
dunk by Thomas Gibson.

[Hi-Top] These boys
aren't rolling over.

[Trent] And the Patriot
lead is dwindling.

[Hi-Top] Coach Stan Taylor
is starting to sweat.

[Trent] Less than two
minutes left to play.

Another steal by the Wildcats!

[Hi-Top] Lead cut it to
two with this possession.

[Trent] Canamis and Lopez.

Oh, my!

[Hi-Top] Did you see that?

A perfect alley-oop to a
streaking Jordan Green,

cutting the Patriot lead to two!

[Trent] Patriot defense.

Again, Matthew Conaghey
steals the ball

and smartly calls timeout
with eight seconds to play.

[Hi-Top] This arena
is going crazy.

[Trent] The Wildcat
fans can't believe

they're in this game.

[Hi-Top] And the Patriot
fans can't believe

they're blowing the game.

Come on, come on,
come on, come on.

All right, all right, all right.

You guys are looking
better out there, okay?

We had this, we had this.

And you let 'em
back in the game.

We got sloppy.

They don't even belong
on the same floor as us.

-Hondo, what do we do?
-We?

Well, we've got the ball,
so they're gonna press.

Okay, okay.

Jordan, how do we
break the press?

Pass away from the double
team and hit the open man.

We know they're going to Josh.

Randy, I want you in
his jersey, you got it?

Yes, sir.

Okay, everyone.

Fists up, man-to-man,

deny Josh Conaghey the ball.

-You got it?
-Yes, sir.

Well, let's go do it then.

-[players chattering]
-[players cheering]

-One, two, three.
-Wildcats!

[crowd cheering]

All right.

Defense!

[Hi-Top] Everybody
in this gym knows

that Josh Conaghey is
gonna get the ball.

Hey, Conaghey.

You're nothing but a
country bastard anyways.

[Trent] And Lakeview
team captain Randy Toth

is set to guard Josh.

Matt Conaghey dribbles
the ball up court

under extreme pressure.

[Hi-Top] Six seconds left.

[Trent] Matt Conaghey
looks to break the press,

finds the open man,

Josh Conaghey, who
spots up on the wing,

sidesteps his
defender, pulls up,

and shoots a long three-pointer!

[Hi-Top] He got it off.

And?

You really don't know, do you?

Oh, come on, Tex,
you're killing me.

What happened?

-[buzzer blaring]
-[crowd cheering]

[Trent] Oh, my!

-He made it!
-[triumphant music]

[Trent] He made it!

Josh Conaghey made the
game-winning three-point shot

at the buzzer.

[Hi-Top] Wildcats win!

[Trent] They are they
new state champions!

This was nothing
short of a miracle.

[Hi-Top] I'll tell you,
these players, these coaches,

and these fans will have
something to be proud of

and something they
can carry with them

for the rest of their lives.

You, you brother.

[Tex] See, both those boys

discovered unconditional
love and forgiveness.

They never looked at eachother quite the same way again.

Why don't you just let it
all simmer a little bit?

Okay.

You know, I think you're gonna
make a fine sportswriter.

Thank you, Mr. Summer.

Nah, just plain Tex.

Tex, it is. [laughs]

[birds chirping]

-Thank you.
-Bye-bye.

Bye-bye.

[SUV engine starting up]

[hammering]

[music swells]

[bright music]