Why is the basketball rematch against Willpinit so emotional for Junior? ● Begin with a clear, concise topic sentence. ● Use textual evidence to justify your argument. ● Organize your ideas logically, maintain a formal style of writing, and follow the conventions of standard written English.

Answer 1

The basketball rematch against Willpinit is so emotional for Junior because it symbolizes a battle between the two cultures he belongs to and represents a chance for him to prove himself and gain acceptance. According to the text, Junior describes the game as "the biggest night in the history of the Reardan Indians" (Alexie 161), showing the significance of the rematch. Additionally, Junior mentions that the game is about "honor, pride, and survival" (Alexie 161), emphasizing the intense emotions tied to the match. Furthermore, Junior feels a personal connection to the game as it represents a chance for him to showcase his skills and prove his worth to both the Spokane Indian Reservation and the white community. He says, "If we let them score only forty points, we will have shown them that we are not Indians to be messed with" (Alexie 161), which highlights how he perceives the game as an opportunity to defy stereotypes and challenge the prejudices held against him. Therefore, due to the cultural and personal significance attached to the basketball rematch, it is understandable why Junior experiences such strong emotions.