Book 4 of the Masterson Family Series - Jeremy has studied the theory of evolution and its inherent weaknesses. His conclusion is that the world itself is a testimony to the existence of a creator. He decides to throw himself into studying religion to find out if he can determine who that creator might be and what such a powerful entity desires of him. His motivation is strong due to his love for Maria, who introduced him to Christianity, but Jeremy won't sacrifice truth even for the love of his life. He must find satisfactory answers to all of his inquiries, in order to pave the way to a mutually dedicated relationship based on common ideals.
Excerpt:
This was a critical possession for the Spartans, who trailed by one point with less than two minutes to play. Jeremy dribbled the basketball behind his back, eluded the man guarding him, and drove to the hoop. Just as he was about to shoot, he caught a glimpse of the seven-foot center from Auburn dropping off his man and towering behind his own six-foot-two frame like a redwood tree. I've entered No Man's Land. There was no one to pass to, he was standing with a foot in the lane, giving him three seconds to shoot or get out, and King Kong was ready to cram the ball down his throat if he took the shot.
Jeremy thought fast. He'd practiced a trick shot on many occasions but never found the opportunity to use it in a game. This seemed to be the perfect place. His rear end arched and made contact with the taller defender behind him to get some space.
The big man was poised to make his leap if Jeremy went up in the air or brought the ball up to shoot. Neither happened. Shooting the ball underhanded with his wrists from his waist, Jeremy flicked the ball up and out at the bang board. The defender had no clue a shot was going up until it was too late, and he could only watch in helplessness as it entered the magical square of the glass and caromed through the net. The Sumner crowd went crazy. They now held a one-point lead over the number one team in Washington.
With a combination of nods and grunts, the players conveyed their understanding. They broke the huddle with a rousing, "Go Spartans!" Jeremy threw the towel he had used to wipe his brow to a student manager. He noticed Maria watching him from the first row of the bleachers, where the cheerleaders had just seated themselves after performing a yell. They exchanged a broad smile, and Jeremy took his place on the floor, locking his mind back on the game.
The Auburn team brought the ball slowly up the court. They had plenty of time to take the lead back. They patiently tried to work the ball into their big man, but the Spartan collapsing zone effectively kept them from getting the ball inside. A pass to the wing on Jeremy's side caused him to move out to prevent an open look at the basket. Another offensive man set a screen, and the man with the ball got around Jeremy, took three steps towards the hoop, and exploded into the air for a jump shot. The ball rolled around the rim twice and dropped through the cords. Jeremy disgustedly grabbed the ball and stepped out of bounds to throw it in to the other guard. Less than a minute and a half remained in his first game since they had let him back on the team in midseason.
