Dragon Puncher's Big Free Throw

It's a beautiful day at Mario Stadium where the big basketball game was being held. It was halftime at the stadium and Lakitu said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the Free Throw Contest! Now, I'll select one lucky fan from this stadium and that person will have a chance to make a free throw. If successful, he or she will win 50,000 coins and that person will also become an official team member of the Mario All-Stars! So, let's spin this wheel and find our lucky player!"

Then Lakitu gave it a whirl and the crowd waited for that person.

And then, it landed on a person.

Lakitu looked at it and said, "And today's shooter is Dragon Puncher! Dragon, come on down to the court and take the free throw!"

I was amazed when Lakitu selected me as I came down from the stands with the crowd cheering.

When I got to the court, I saw Lakitu who is smiling at me. Lakitu said, "Welcome to the contest."

"Thank you! It's an honor for me to make this shot." I replied, "I'm a huge fan of the Mario All-Stars and if I can make this shot, I'll be very happy to join the team."

"Well, you came to the right place and this free throw could make you a member!" Lakitu said, "Now, are you ready to play the Free Throw Contest for a shot at big prizes?"

"Yes! I'll be glad to!" I agreed.

"Alright then, to the Free Throw Line!" Lakitu said as we walked to the line.

When we got there, Lakitu said, "Here we are, Dragon! This is where you'll make this shot. Now, here's how the contest is going to work. In a moment, our Shy Guy referee will give you the basketball and you have only one shot. If you can make the free throw, then the coins and this Mario All-Stars official team jersey will be yours! Got it?"

"Got it!" I agreed.

"OK!" Lakitu said, "Head on over to the line and make the shot! We are all rooting for you"

I smiled to him and walked to the line for the big shot.

Then Shy Guy came in with the basketball and said, "Dragon Puncher, are you ready to make the free throw?"

"I'm all set and ready to shoot." I said with a thumbs up.

Shy Guy agreed and said, "Alright then! Now when I give you this basketball, the Free Throw Contest will officially begin. Remember, you only have one shot. So, without any further ado, here we go. Dragon Puncher… MAKE YOUR SHOT!"

Then he gave the basketball to me and then, the contest has started.

I bounced the ball three times and waited for the word that will make the shot as the crowd grew silent.

I thought to myself and said, "Alright then, this is it. It is all or nothing now. Once I say the word, it's time to shoot the basketball. Well, here goes."

Then I took my shooting position and said, "Ready, aim…"

As I finished my aiming procedure, everyone grew very silent. I took one final bounce, closed my eyes and then, I let out a shout…

"SHOOT!"

With the word shouted, I released the ball from my hands and it begins to go to the net. Everything grew very silent as I await the shot.

And then, the basketball made it to the rim and it begins to spin across it in a clockwise direction, gaining speed as the crowd held in anticipation for the big shot.

After a few seconds, the ball begins to slow down. Everyone in the stadium watched the basketball as it slows down even more for a few seconds until it stops near the net. It is a matter a time now as I await the big finish. I held in my breath for the last time and then...

And then...

The basketball went in the net. The free throw is a success.

Shy Guy saw it all and said, "SCORE! Dragon Puncher wins!"

When Shy Guy was done with his announcement, I smiled to myself and said, "I did it… I DID IT!"

With the words shouted, the crowd erupted in big cheers! Lakitu saw it all and said, "HE DID IT! He made the free throw! Dragon Puncher has won the contest!"

Just then, confetti fell on me as the crowd cheered even louder for my shot. Lakitu came in to me and said, "You did it, Dragon Puncher! You have won 50,000 coins! Congratulations, Dragon! Nice shot!"

"Thanks, Lakitu!" I replied, "It was all in the wrist. I thought that basketball would never go to the net."

"Well, you waited for the ball to go in and then, it did it! So, you made a successful free throw!"

"Wow! Thank you, Lakitu!" I said as I gave him a hug.

"You're very welcome and here comes Shy Guy with the prize money!" Lakitu announced as Shy Guy came in with the check.

Then Shy Guy gave the check to me and said, "Congratulations, Dragon Puncher!"

"Thanks, Shy Guy!" I replied as I accepted the check, "I'm so very happy to take home this check and use it to help my friends and my team."

Lakitu came in to me and said, "Dragon Puncher, are you ready for your second prize?"

"Of course I'm ready!" I replied.

"Alright then, here it is! Dragon Puncher… YOU ARE A MARIO ALL-STAR!"

With the words shouted, I fell down to the floor in happiness as Mario came in with the team jersey. Then Mario said, "Dragon Puncher, you're an official member of the Mario All-Stars basketball team! Congratulations on making the free throw! You did amazing!"

"Thanks, Mario!" I replied as I put on the jersey, "Now I'm part of the team! Ready to do the cheer, guys?"

"Yeah!" Lakitu, Mario, and Shy Guy agreed as they put their hands in. I did the same and said, "On three, guys. 1, 2, 3..."

Then we all said at the same time, "MARIO ALL-STARS!"