2019 LYCOMING COLLEGE LC MAGAZINE SPRING

CON L I T E R A T U R E . T H E A T R E . A R T Matthew Ross Smith ’04 is an author, musician, and writing professor. His debut novel, “LIZZY LEGEND,” was published in early 2019 and tells the story of Lizzy Trudeaux, a basketball-loving girl who practices constantly at the community court and fights her way onto the boy’s team at school. After receiving a magical wish — the ability to sink every shot — Lizzy dominates the court, making history along the way. The following is an excerpt from “LIZZY LEGEND,” available on Amazon. com. It is a perfect gift for any young athlete or sports fan. Want to be featured here? Alumni are encouraged to share their recent works of literature, theatre, art, music, and film to be considered for future publication by contacting marketing@lycoming.edu. Toby appeared at the top of the hill just after dawn. For some reason I thought of one of those Just-Married cars, dragging a bunch of clattering junk behind it. Except his would’ve said Just Woke Up. His jacket was unzipped, his sneakers were untied, and he had a frosted Pop Tart hanging from his mouth. I shot the ball from the foul line. Pure Swish. “Wow,” he deadpanned. “Never seen that before.” I stepped back to the three-point line. Pure Swish. He yawned. His breath plumed in the early-morning cold. Half court. Pure Swish. That one made him raise an eyebrow. It wasn’t just that it went in. It was the way it went in. The way the ball seemed to accelerate through the hoop. I carried the ball to the far corner of the court, about 95 feet away, and lofted up a sky hook shot. The ball flew through the overcast sky. It was up there so long it could’ve evolved. It could’ve grown wings and flown away. But it just kept tracking toward the hoop. Closer… Closer… Pure Swish. When not writing or making music, Matt is the founder and executive director of The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project, a nonprofit that provides free biographers for people with Alzheimer’s, and mentors young writers. If you are a teacher, librarian, youth coach, or book club member, please contact him via www.Matthew-Ross-Smith.com . 48 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2019 SPRING MAGAZINE