The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT June 15, 2011

Ankles, knees and thumbs.

Walking off the court at Hoopfest in Spokane, at least one of these was bound to be sore by the time the final basket was made on that weekend.

Even after taking some time away from the tournament, just the thought of lacing up my shoes and playing in the 80-degree heat doesn't sit right.

I HAVE never been much of a basketball player.

I didn't try out for the high school basketball team, but had a basketball hoop in front of the house.

But for some reason, whenever the chance to play in the annual event in downtown Spokane came about, I was always up for the challenge.

On my teams, I knew exactly what my role was - stay out of the way and make sure that I didn't cost our team the game.

Sounds easy - just sit on the sidewalk and watch as the talented players try to get a win.

That didn't always happen.

At times, I could find some range on the court, hit a few 2-point baskets (all 3-point field goals count as 2 in the tournament, everything else is 1) and score enough points and let the defense try to hold the lead.

Depending on the competition, there were times when the game couldn't end fast enough and others when it wouldn't end as neither team could hit a shot.

My defensive skill doesn't exist, so having me running around was a good way to score points - for both teams.

Whether playing under the basket or on the top of the key, I'm a liability on the court.

I had my moments, but often few and far between.

WHILE THE phone didn't ring off the hook for a group of friends to welcome my return to competitive basketball this season, that could be for the best.

Over the past two years, I've also discovered the main reason for my basketball downfall.

Between rolling my ankle during the first five minutes of a game three years ago, to hyper-extending my thumb and making me unable to shoot or catch a basketball, there isn’t a time when I feel like I have walked away without injury.

And as dumb as it may sound, not even last year, when I was just in Spokane covering the event, I could not avoid the injury bug.

Maybe the time has come to hang up my shoes, forget playing basketball and know when to just give up.

But seriously, who wants to do that?

I’ll continue to play as long as I can, and eventually find myself back playing in Hoopfest again.

It just won’t be this year.

My ankles will thank me later.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected].