The Holy Hoopster
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Colossians 3:17
“The Holy Hoopster” is episode #721 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Marshal Younger, and originally aired on November 17, 2012.
Summary
Ryan Cummings makes a series of seemingly miraculous last-second shots for his basketball team which makes him a celebrity - both for the hoops and for acknowledging Jesus.
Plot
In a last minute shot, Ryan Cummings wins the game for The Odyssey Owls basketball team. When interviewed by Jay Smouse, Ryan says that he prayed right before the final shot. After the game, Ryan, Brad Ralph, and Nelson Swanson go to Whit's End to celebrate. Olivia Parker invites Ryan to come sit with her and some friends to talk about the game. Ryan declines, to talk with Camilla Parker instead.
The next game Jay asks some questions and makes assumptions for the sake of his ratings. This is partially motivated by the fact Ryan does really well. In a conversation with Camilla, Ryan hears that Melvin (Lightning) Livingston will come to the Owl's last game.
Ryan once again leads the Owls to another game win and his popularity continues to rise. After the game Camilla asks Ryan to sign the basketball she wants Lightning Livingston to sign. Also, someone makes a song of Ryan with his holy hoop comments. Ryan tells Brad he'll be happy when things have calmed down. Brad apparently is becoming jealous of Ryan.
A close game with a missed shot from Ryan leads to a loss. Despite the loss, Jay tries to jeer Ryan on about comments but Ryan brushes him off. The reverse of fate has resulted in people not paying attention to Owls as much. A few losses lead to a conversation with Olivia in which Ryan finds out Camilla has the chickenpox.
After another loss, Jay makes assumptions that Ryan may have sinned. Ryan once again isn't in a talking mood. When asked by Jay, Brad expresses his jealousy. He criticizes Ryan's comments right in front of Jay. Ultimately Brad walks off angry and Ryan tries to follow him to talk.
Before the final game, Ryan stops by the Parker family house to get Camilla's basketball and talk to her. After Coach Chang Fang's pep talk, Nelson talks some sense into Brad and Brad makes up with Ryan. The game is another close one to the final buzzer. Despite the shots that put the Owls ahead, a last minute shot from Blumington wins them the game. Jay is outsmarted by Ryan in a final interview and Whit acknowledges the faith of Ryan.
Discussion Questions
Does praying mean that we will always win a game or get something or is it simply a way of trusting God?
Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
| Character | Mentioned By |
|---|---|
| Melvin (Lightning) Livingston | Camilla Parker |
| Silvia Smouse | Jay Smouse |
| Eva Parker | Camilla Parker |
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode was written to address the craze around then-pro football player Tim Tebow.
- Odyssey plays teams from Odenton, Connelsville, and Richland.
- Allusions
- Jay uses the catchphrase "Say goodnight, Gracie"; popularized by The Burns and Allen Show.
Quotes
Nelson Swanson: Ryan, you've gone viral!
Holy Hoop Rap: Holy, holy, holy hoop, holy holy hoop...
Brad Ralph: Wow. Some people have too much time on their hands.
Ryan Cummings: Prayer isn't about working or not working. Or winning or losing. Prayer is about a relationship with Jesus. That's what's important [...] Praying is up to us, but what happens after we pray is up to Him. All I can do is the best I can do. I hope to play well and whether I win or lose, I hope I'm a good witness for Him.
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