The 1957 basketball season is the focus of Point Guard. The story is about how a scrappy team and its string of successes riveted the attention of the small, central Illinois town of Ashland. Senior Gary Pearn had just transferred to Ashland High School to rejoin his old friends in their final year, and his slick steals, quick dribbling and smooth lay-ups were electrifying the already-talented team.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Gary, who grew up dreaming of playing high school varsity basketball, had found a way to play after his hopes had been thwarted by an obstinant coach and a team bully in nearby Elm City. An invitation to move back to his hometown and play varsity ball was a dream opportunity for the likeable, hard-working young player. For those from rural communities where sports are important to the town, this novel brings back the drama of moving closer with each winning game to the possibility of a state championship.
The story captures the intense work and discipline imposed by the coach, a former Marine, in order for the boys to achieve success. For the players, all who were like Gary from hard-working families of modest means, this story conveys the thrill of becoming heros when life was simpler and community mattered most.
The review of this Book prepared by Victor Pearn
