To March with Unsung Heroes

Book #1: Taking Shots

A growing truth is becoming evident in Southland, Wisconsin: there’s going to be talent on this year’s boys’ varsity basketball team. Leading the way is returning captain and transcendent senior star, James Marshall; his tough-as-nails senior classmate, R.J. Tucker; the quick-witted and versatile Derrick Demerath; and the unquestionably talented Josh Fergman, whose potential on the court is shadowed only by the inner turmoil he faces from his life in a broken home. Problems are brewing, however. Summer is halfway over, the team’s coach is leaving town, and the man who’s been asked to fill in for him has one major flaw on his resume. He is not a basketball coach, and he knows it.

Enter Neal Madsen, whose personal story is one which almost everyone in Southland is aware of. Not only is he the local optometrist, but he is two years removed from the tragic death of his young wife, Anna. To March with Unsung Heroes- Book #1: Taking Shots is the story of how Neal, as the eventual head coach, and his cast of aspiring players come together and form the Southland High School boys’ varsity basketball team. Taking Shots chronicles their journeys from the middle of summer, through tryout week, and into the team’s first game of their season, and is a reflection of life lessons learned on the basketball court. The book is also a testament to the power of second chances, which may, for some, ultimately lead to redemption.