My Battle Against the Legendary Quinn Mankowski

I wasn't expecting to be in an epic athletic battle Wednesday morning, but there I was on Dickens street in a drive-way playing in a best-of-three foul-shooting contest against the legendary basketball phenom, Quinn Mankowski. Maybe you've heard of him.

He had all the advantages: His drive-way, his hoop, his street, his talent, his charisma, and his fans, but I was pretty confident I could take him.

I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I was willing to go the distance.

Each game was 4 rounds of 5 foul shots.

I'll admit that I was a little star-struck in the first game. I didn't have my shooting touch at all, but he did, making 14 out of 20.

If I didn't get my act together in the second game, I would be swept right off of Dickens street. I wasn't about to leave with noting to show for it.

That second game didn't start out much better but by the end of the first round, I started rolling. I didn't stop rolling until I made 16 foul shots in a row and won game two rather easily. I had Mankowski on the ropes at that point. I could see it in his eyes. I was going to beat him in his backyard and leave with the belt. I had never felt so confident in my entire life.

I wasn't as sharp in that third game, but his touch was still cold. I had him going into the last round. I was up by 2 shots and the way he was going, I figured he'd be lucky to even make one. Well, he not only made one, but he made all five shots.

Even though I wasn't as perfect in game 3 as I was in game 2, I was still feeling pretty good. At that point, making 4 out of 5 shots to claim my title seemed like a real possibility. At the very least, I knew I would tie him and send it into overtime.

I made 2 of my first 3 shots and was right on the cusp of greatness. I knew I was going to be next free throw shooting king.

Two more shots, that's all I needed.

I missed the 4th shot, but it was ok. I knew I would make that 5th shot and send the epic battle into overtime.

I took a deep, cleansing breath. I could do this. I knew I had it in me.

I bounced the ball a time or two. Bent my knees. Had my elbow in the right position. I let the shot go. It looked good. It was going to go in............clang! Off the side of the rim!

I blew it. I blew the game. I had the champion on the ropes in his own backyard and I let him off the hook. I could not believe it.

I have never felt so dejected in all my life. I've heard of these epic championship battles before and wondered what it would be like to be involved in one. Even if someone loses a battle like that, it's still something to be proud of, right? Well, I now know first hand that it's not.

It really is more painful to make it that far and come away with nothing.

I guess the moment was too big for me, but not for Quinn Mankowski.

The legend continues to grow.