Night Court

The ball is polished to a glow by sweatof players who hope their nothing-but-netjump shots in the dark will be their escape—what allows them to pass through the 'hoods' gate.

They are tired of knowing where cornerslead, jail cell or morgue, murder or murdered—tired of living in desperation.A hook shot soars, and then kisses the rim.

The ball changes course bouncing high understreetlight's shine, and then slams its rubberskin against wire and bars. Game over.The players head for home, one game olderas the ball bounces its own hollow cadencedown an alley and off a chain-link fence.