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儿童英语读物 The Basketball Mystery CHAPTER 5 Jessie’s Good Idea

时间:2017-09-14 08:07来源:互联网 提供网友:qing   字体: [ ]
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That night Buzz1 and Tipper finally sat down to one of Mrs. McGregor’s home-cooked meals. At last, no interviews. No banquets2. No meetings or plans. Just a quiet evening with the Aldens.

A very quiet evening.

Mr. Alden did his best to cheer up the twins. “Mistakes happen,” he said when he noticed that they hadn’t said much during dinner. “You two have been on the go from the minute you arrived. It’s understandable that schedules and keys and such got mixed up. There’s still plenty of time to coach the Blazers and Fast Breakers before their games.”

Buzz pushed his cake around his plate without taking a bite. “We don’t have that many practices scheduled, Mr. Alden. And we got off to a poor start. Tipper and I shouldn’t have been running around so much. Then all these mix-ups wouldn’t have happened.”

“Did you call Frank3 Fowler?” Mr. Alden asked. “After all, he’s the one who made up the schedules, right?”

“I called him when I got back this afternoon,” Buzz said. “He said he told me about the schedule change a couple of days ago. There was so much going on that day. Tipper and I had our pictures taken for the newspaper with some of our old high school teammates. There were so many people around, I guess I just didn’t focus on what Frank said.”

“Same with Courtney and the storage room key,” Tipper added. “That day was a blur4 for me, too.”

Buzz put down his napkin. “I’ve got to figure out some way to make things up to the Blazers — extra practices or something.”

“Same here,” Tipper agreed. “Coaching isn’t just teaching6 basketball skills. It’s pulling the team together. That’s what I learned7 from my high school and college coaches. I want to be just like them.”

All this time, the Alden children sat and listened. Just because of a few mix-ups, their new friends weren’t having a very good time.

“I have an idea,” Jessie said. “Do you both have a whole day free in the next couple of days?”

“Saturday we’re free,” Buzz said. “For some reason, we’re not scheduled to be famous celebrities8 that day. No picture-taking. No television.”

Jessie’s face brightened9. “Good. What about organizing the first-ever Nettleton Basketball Clinic for Saturday? We could hold it right here in Grandfather’s backyard. You could schedule different drills for different times. I know we don’t have a whole court, but you could teach lots of skills like you did with us when you first got here.”

Buzz gave this some thought. “A clinic, hmmm?”

“Like a doctor clinic?” Soo Lee asked. “I don’t want to get a shot.”

This made everyone smile.

Tipper put her arm around the little girl. “You wouldn’t get a shot, Soo Lee. But you would make a lot of basketball shots, just like you did the other day. A basketball clinic helps players practice skills one at a time. No doctors, no shots. Just fun.”

Suddenly Buzz’s face brightened. “You know, I brought some training tapes from my college. We could show those as part of the clinic.”

“We can run an extension10 cord11 from the garage to the boxcar and hook12 up Grandfather’s portable13 television and playback machine out there,” Henry suggested.

The twins were all caught up in the Aldens’ plans now.

“We’ll mix up the teams,” Buzz said. “The Blazers and Fast Breakers can do the drills together with kids from other teams. A clinic just might help us make up the practice time our team missed. Good idea, Aldens!”

Tipper wondered about something. “Should we check with Courtney and Frank and Tom? I mean, a clinic isn’t really part of the plans they have scheduled.”

Buzz shook his head. “The clinic doesn’t have to be part of the plans. Let’s just call kids up and tell them about it. Anybody can come.”

By this time Buzz and Tipper had spread out some paper and pencils to write down their plans.

“If we run the drills in sets, kids can start whenever they arrive,” Tipper said. “We could probably fit in three sets of drills. That way it won’t get too crowded in the backyard.” Tipper put down her pencil. “Whoa, stop! We haven’t even asked Mr. Alden if it’s okay to fill his yard with all these basketball players.”

Mr. Alden put down his coffee cup. “I like seeing my yard filled with youngsters14. Why, what’s the good of having a big yard if people don’t use it?”

Mr. Alden got his wish. By noon on Saturday, basketball players from all over Greenfield were in the backyard doing drills. In one part of the driveway, Buzz showed players how to dribble15 the ball while running. Tipper showed some older children how to make shots from the foul16 line. In the boxcar, Henry had set up Mr. Alden’s portable television and a playback machine. About half a dozen players were inside the boxcar watching training tapes from Buzz’s college. The clinic was a huge success.

“This is so much fun, I’m staying all day,” Patsy Cutter told Jessie. “I want to be the champ of the Fast Breakers.”

When Patsy went off to practice her foul shots, Jessie turned to Violet17. “I was hoping Patsy would only stay for one set of drills. That’s what I told everyone. More kids showed up at the clinic than we expected. Some players haven’t had even one chance for Tipper to coach them.”

Henry joined the girls outside. “Whew, I can’t believe how many people are here. Buzz asked me to call up Courtney, Frank, and Tom. We definitely18 need more coaches!”

Right after Henry phoned the other coaches, a cameraman and reporter arrived from the local television station. The Nettleton Basketball Clinic was big news in Greenfield!

The reporter looked a little rushed and out of breath. “At last! I finally caught up with you two,” she said to the twins. “My cameraman and I waited for you for about an hour at the sports center. When you didn’t show up, we started calling around. We tracked you down here.”

Tipper and Buzz looked confused.

“Why did you think we’d be at the sports center?” Buzz wanted to know.

“Didn’t you get my message?” the woman asked. “I told someone at the center that we would meet you there at ten o’clock today and to call me if you couldn’t make it.”

Buzz shook his head. “We didn’t hear a thing about this. We’re in the middle of running a clinic. We really can’t do an interview right now.”

“Why not?” the reporter asked. “Your basketball clinic makes an even better story. After all, you did come to Greenfield to help out with the sports center. This clinic will give it even more attention.”

“I guess we don’t have a choice,” Buzz told Tipper.

“Okay. First we want to film Tipper with her Most Valuable Player trophy19,” the reporter said. “Is it around?”

Tipper didn’t move. “Can’t you just show the two of us helping20 the kids? After all, isn’t that the whole point of your coming here?”

“Sure,” the reporter said. “But you’re the first Greenfield player to get the MVP award. That is big news!”

“I’ll go get it,” Patsy Cutter offered when she overheard21 the reporter.

“You know where it is?” Tipper asked, surprised to hear this.

“Well, I saw it when Jessie and I were in her room,” Patsy answered. “When I borrowed a pair of shorts from her.”

“Good. Bring it down here,” the reporter told Patsy.

When Patsy returned, the cameraman was taping Buzz showing several players how to dribble.

Patsy handed the trophy to Tipper. “Here it is.”

Seeing this, the cameraman stopped filming Buzz and aimed his camera at Tipper instead.

“There,” the cameraman told Tipper. “Just hold it like that while I get more tape rolling.”

Buzz tried to get his players back to playing basketball. No luck. They all wanted to be on television. While the cameraman taped, several children stood near Tipper and waved or made funny faces at the camera. They were going to be on television, too!

“Buzz looks upset,” Violet whispered to Jessie when they came over to see what was going on. “It’s just like the day when we kept asking about Tipper’s award.”

Buzz wasn’t the only person upset about Tipper’s award. By this time, Courtney Post and Frank Fowler had arrived to help with the clinic. But there was no coaching, no practicing, and no drills going when Courtney and Frank showed up. Instead everyone was watching the television crew filming Tipper and her award. Finally the cameraman waved Buzz into the picture, too.

The reporter faced the camera. “And it looks as if the Nettleton twins are headed for victory again — not as Most Valuable Players, but as Most Valuable Coaches in Greenfield.”

“Oh, no,” Henry whispered to Jessie. “Frank and Courtney won’t like that.” Henry went over to them before any more damage was done. “Thanks for showing up on such short notice. We really need your help. We didn’t expect so many kids to come.”

Jessie tried to explain what happened. “The television people heard about the clinic when they went to the sports center. Then they came here. Buzz and Tipper didn’t invite them. All they wanted to do was make up for the practices they missed. When so many kids showed up, they thought you might want to help out.”

“Great timing,” Courtney said. “We show up just in time to be in the audience for two coaches who don’t even live in Greenfield anymore. I’ve got better ways to spend my Saturdays.”

“Me, too,” Frank said.

At last the television people left. The children flocked22 around Tipper to get a close look at her famous trophy.

“It’s real silver,” one girl from the Clipper team said.

“Of course it’s real silver,” Patsy Cutter told the girl.

“You should keep it in a safe place like a bank or something, with guards,” another girl said, touching23 the tall, heavy trophy.

Buzz blew his whistle. “The interview is over. Everybody who wants to do some drills, line up near the backboard.”

“Right,” Tipper said, sticking the trophy inside the boxcar. “Let’s play basketball. That’s what we’re all here for.”

“Anybody who wants to learn how to do championship layups should go with Coach Fowler,” Buzz said. “He’s the best layup player Greenfield ever had.”

“Except for Courtney Post,” Tipper said to the players who were trying to decide what to do next. “Her layups are amazing. Maybe Frank and Courtney can take over all the layup drills.”

When they heard this, Frank Fowler and Courtney Post finally stopped looking so upset. Buzz and Tipper were famous for being famous. But Courtney and Frank were famous for their layups.

Buzz and Tipper moved out of the way of the two coaches. For the next hour they stayed in the boxcar, showing some of the kids training tapes. They wanted to give Frank and Courtney a chance to be the star coaches now.

By three o’clock, everyone was worn-out.

“What a day!” Henry said. “We had more people than at the sports center — almost, anyway.”

“Thanks for coming,” Tipper told Frank and Courtney. “We couldn’t have done it without you. Especially after those television people showed up. That was the last thing we needed. From now until the sports center opens, all I want to do is coach basketball.”

“Me, too,” Buzz said.

“Mind if we take a look at the training tapes before we leave?” Courtney asked Buzz. “Frank and I want to see how your coach teaches defense24 positions.”

“Sure, the tapes are on a shelf in the boxcar,” Buzz said. “Just pop them into the machine.”

“See you Monday,” Frank told everyone. “We’ll turn off the television after we’re done.”

“So things worked out after all,” Henry said after the Aldens went inside the house. “The clinic was a good idea, Jessie.”

“Not a good idea — a great idea,” Buzz said. “Except for all those TV people showing up, we taught everybody a whole lot of basketball.”

The clinic had been a hit. The Aldens and the Nettleton twins decided25 to sit down and plan another one. They were so busy talking about what they would do next time, nobody paid any mind to Watch. He was barking and barking at the kitchen window.

“It’s only Patsy out there, still practicing,” Jessie said. “She’s probably hoping you’ll come out and coach her some more, Tipper.”

Tipper yawned26. “I’m all coached out. All I can think of is a hot shower and a nap5. I’m afraid Patsy’s on her own.”


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 buzz aSiyO     
v.充满了激动或活动的声音,发出低沉的声音
参考例句:
  • My brain was in buzz.我的脑袋嗡嗡响。
  • A buzz went through the crowded courtroom.拥挤的法庭里响起了一片乱哄哄的说话声。
2 banquets fb7be383589c95c4271223fafc6c2cdc     
宴会,盛宴( banquet的名词复数 ); 筵席
参考例句:
  • The festivities include parades, banquets, and balls. 庆祝活动包括游行、宴会以及舞会。
  • He appeared at banquets to distinguished strangers. 在招待名人贵宾的宴会上他也多次列席。
3 frank JibxK     
adj.坦白的,直率的,真诚的
参考例句:
  • A frank discussion can help to clear the air.坦率的谈论有助于消除隔阂。
  • She is frank and outgoing.她很爽朗。
4 blur JtgzC     
n.模糊不清的事物;vt.使模糊,使看不清楚
参考例句:
  • The houses appeared as a blur in the mist.房子在薄雾中隐隐约约看不清。
  • If you move your eyes and your head,the picture will blur.如果你的眼睛或头动了,图像就会变得模糊不清。
5 nap o6bzX     
n.(白天)打瞌睡,打盹
参考例句:
  • The nap of the coat has been worn off.外衣上的绒毛已经磨掉了。
  • Don't bother me while I am taking my nap.我小睡的时候不要打扰我。
6 teaching ngEziT     
n.教学,执教,任教,讲授;(复数)教诲
参考例句:
  • We all agree in adopting the new teaching method. 我们一致同意采取新的教学方法。
  • He created a new system of teaching foreign languages.他创造了一种新的外语教学体系。
7 learned m1oxn     
adj.有学问的,博学的;learn的过去式和过去分词
参考例句:
  • He went into a rage when he learned about it.他听到这事后勃然大怒。
  • In this little village,he passed for a learned man.在这个小村子里,他被视为有学问的人。
8 celebrities d38f03cca59ea1056c17b4467ee0b769     
n.(尤指娱乐界的)名人( celebrity的名词复数 );名流;名声;名誉
参考例句:
  • He only invited A-list celebrities to his parties. 他只邀请头等名流参加他的聚会。
  • a TV chat show full of B-list celebrities 由众多二流人物参加的电视访谈节目
9 brightened b77838fc29a583b26bd270d2faf4b293     
(使)发亮( brighten的过去式和过去分词 ); (使)生色; (使)生辉; (使)快乐
参考例句:
  • He brightened up when they said he could go with them. 他们说他可以一起去,他就高兴起来。
  • The new teacher brightened the life of all his pupils. 新来的老师使全体学生的生活变得活跃起来了。
10 extension tmDxS     
n.伸长,扩大,伸展;延长,延期;延长部分,扩大部分;电话分机
参考例句:
  • The pupils disliked the extension of the term.小学生们不愿延长学期。
  • Our extension is nearly finished.我们的扩建部分已接近完工。
11 cord AoRzq     
n.绳,线;纺织品;小电线;腱
参考例句:
  • I wear a safety cord all the time.我一直带着安全绳索。
  • I pulled the cord,and I felt a strong jerk.拉住绳索,我强烈的恐惧。
12 hook oc5xa     
vt.钩住;n.钩子,钩状物
参考例句:
  • The blacksmith forged a bar of iron into a hook.铁匠把一根铁条锻造成一个钩子。
  • He hangs up his scarf on the hook behind the door.他把围巾挂在门后的衣钩上。
13 portable GOkxY     
adj.轻便的,手提式的;n.便携的东西
参考例句:
  • I have a portable typewriter.我有一个便携式打字机。
  • There is a pretty portable pair of steps in one corner of the room.屋角放着一架小巧玲珑的折梯。
14 youngsters 9d413e799253048dc5ebe7d07ff8dd5f     
n.孩子( youngster的名词复数 );少年;青年;年轻人
参考例句:
  • We followed the youngsters at a more sedate pace. 我们跟在年轻人后面,步子稍慢一点。
  • The camp is for youngsters aged 8 to 14. 这次夏令营是为8至14岁的少年儿童安排的。
15 dribble DZTzb     
v.点滴留下,流口水;n.口水
参考例句:
  • Melted wax dribbled down the side of the candle.熔化了的蜡一滴滴从蜡烛边上流下。
  • He wiped a dribble of saliva from his chin.他擦掉了下巴上的几滴口水。
16 foul Sfnzy     
adj.污秽的;邪恶的;v.弄脏;妨害;犯规;n.犯规
参考例句:
  • Take off those foul clothes and let me wash them.脱下那些脏衣服让我洗一洗。
  • What a foul day it is!多么恶劣的天气!
17 violet 8h3wm     
adj.紫色的;n.紫罗兰
参考例句:
  • She likes to wear violet dresses.他喜欢穿紫色的衣服。
  • Violet is the color of wisdom,peace and strength.紫色是智慧的,和平的和力量的颜色。
18 definitely RuJzx0     
adv.一定地,肯定地;明确地,确切地
参考例句:
  • The team will definitely lose if he doesn't play.如果他不参加比赛,这个队肯定会输。
  • I shall definitely be home before six o'clock.6点以前,我一定回家。
19 trophy 8UFzI     
n.优胜旗,奖品,奖杯,战胜品,纪念品
参考例句:
  • The cup is a cherished trophy of the company.那只奖杯是该公司很珍惜的奖品。
  • He hung the lion's head as a trophy.他把那狮子头挂起来作为狩猎纪念品。
20 helping 2rGzDc     
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的
参考例句:
  • The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
  • By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
21 overheard overheard     
adj. 串音的, 偶而听到的 动词overhear的过去式和过去分词形式
参考例句:
  • We talked quietly so as not to be overheard. 我们低声交谈,以免别人听到。
  • I told Lucy the news under my breath, but Joyce overheard me. 我低声地把这个消息告诉露西,可还是被乔伊斯听到了。
22 flocked 07aadadbd384d6a4c8decec925b8f4e7     
v.群集,成群结队而行( flock的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • Crowds flocked after the popular singer as he left the theater. 这位红歌星走出剧场时,成群的人尾随着他。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The crowd flocked into the church. 人群涌入教堂。 来自《简明英汉词典》
23 touching sg6zQ9     
adj.动人的,使人感伤的
参考例句:
  • It was a touching sight.这是一幅动人的景象。
  • His letter was touching.他的信很感人。
24 defense AxbxB     
n.防御,保卫;[pl.]防务工事;辩护,答辩
参考例句:
  • The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
  • The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。
25 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
26 yawned 484eb41347aa5de2bc43028f961cc1be     
v.打呵欠( yawn的过去式和过去分词 );张开,裂开
参考例句:
  • She yawned and looked pointedly at her watch. 她打了个哈欠,又刻意地看了看手表。
  • John yawned and scratched his chin. 约翰打个哈欠,挠挠下巴。
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