#6. Who is the first game against? How is he treated by the crowd at the first game? How does the team (and coach) react/support him? How does this impact him? (Shane H.)

After Junior changed schools, he was viewed as a traitor and an outcast to the reservation. As Junior’s team travels to Wellpinit High School, Junior’s old school, he is nervous of what might happen in the gym. When Junior’s team arrived, the Coach tell Junior “ ‘You don’t have to play this one,’ he said. ‘Yes, I do...,’” was Junior’s reply (Alexie 143). Junior does not know what will happen during the game, and that is what scares him. However, the way Coach gave him the option to sit the game out let Junior know that he had his Coach’s support. Junior decides to play with his new “family.” When the team entered the gym and Junior was shunned by the crowd, his team mates, especial Roger, stood by Junior and gave him a real home with the team. Junior went on to play the game but sustained two head injuries; a cut and a concussion. Later that night, Junior’s coach came to the hospital and stayed the night with Junior. The coach is showing that the basketball team, and soon the school, are ready to accept Junior as one of their own.