Basketball Diaries (D:TNG episode)
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| Degrassi: The Next Generation episode | |
|---|---|
| “Basketball Diaries” | |
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| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 7 |
| Production no. | – |
| Original airdate | November 25th, 2001 |
| Guest star(s) | Jordan Chan (Lily) Mike Kinney |
| Writer(s) | Yan Moore Aaron Martin |
| Director | Jim Allodi |
| Titular Song | None |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "The Mating Game" | "Secret and Lies" |
"Basketball Diaries", is the seventh episode of the first season in the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Contents |
[edit] Plot synopsis
[edit] Summary
Jimmy is struggling to balance basketball and his schoolwork, but he will do anything to get on the basketball team, even take Ritalin from Spinner to improve his peformance. Liberty wants to be on the video announcements, much to Ashley's dismay. Spinner moons the crowd during a basketball game.
[edit] Expanded Overview
During one of Coach Armstrong's basketball practices, he mentions that the final cuts for the team will be based upon their performances in the upcoming exhibition match. The bell for homeroom rings and as Spinner mentions that they should get to class on time, Jimmy responds by saying that homeroom could wait as he made one more basket.
In their homework, Jimmy walks in and it's revealed that he owes Ms. Kwan a homework assignment on The Lord of the Flies despite the numerous extensions she gave him. Revealing that she's concerned that he is unable to "juggle" both academics and sports, Jimmy comically retorts that juggling is a sport and that there was nothing to worry about.
Liberty is running through the hallways and barely makes it in time to deliver the written speech for Ashley to read over the morning televised announcements. Entering her classroom, Liberty remarks how stressful her position is to her fellow classmates. Manny and J.T. compliment Ashley's cool, calm, and reserved demeanor while Emma points out that Liberty does all the work and Ashley takes all the credit. Realizing the depth of the situation, Liberty remarks how it makes her mad when people think Ashley is so "smart and clever" when really, they were Liberty's words. After some prodding and persuasion by her peers, Liberty decides that she should be allowed to read the morning announcements too.
Ms. Kwan starts having a discussion with the class about the novel and it is quite apparent that Jimmy had not read the chapter, as when asked which character he related most with he responded with the titular "Lord of the Flies" (a severed pig's head on a stake). In the hallways, Jimmy and Spinner discuss school and how it is always in the way of Jimmy's basketball. Spinner's watch goes off, meaning it was time for his Ritalin intake. In that day's basketball practice meet, Jimmy is reading attempting to catch up on his English. Doing a lay-up instead of the requested free shot, Jimmy finds himself unable to balance his academics and extracurriculars. With Jimmy worried that he will not make the team, he observes Spinner ingesting another dose of Ritalin and wonders if there was a pill he could take to boost him up. Spinner remarks that Ritalin would have that intended affect on Jimmy, do to the reverse configuration of their brains. On the next day, Jimmy hands in his assignment but is physically exhausted and unable to perform to his maximum potential in the upcoming game. He asks Spinner for one his Ritalin pills as a favour, and taking his last pill, he swallows it in the hallway.
In the cafeteria, Liberty confronts Ashley about their arrangement regarding the video announcements. Liberty brings up her interest in doing the announcements while saying that it was only fair that she got a chance at it as she did all the writing and research. Ashley ridicules her demand saying that Liberty was a writer while she was a performer. Liberty eventually ends up threatening Ashley with a strike, saying that there would be no more research, writing, or jokes and that Ashley would have to do the work by herself. Ashley finally gives in and grants Liberty the pregame announcements. When it is time for Liberty to present, it is a total disaster. The nervous Liberty ends up inarticulate and unable to communicate her prepared speech.
During the game, the effects of Ritalin on Jimmy, and effects of not taking his medication on Spinner, are apparent. Jimmy is actively playing, however, he ends up ball-hogging and not passing to anybody. Spinner is yelling and cheering the team on and during the half-time break, he ends up dancing in front of the audience to entertain them. He ends up mooning them, which resulted in his suspension from the team at the hands of Mr. Raditch, and the supervision of his doses of Ritalin. The score for the basketball game is 36 (Degrassi) to 37 (Earl Grey). Jimmy is bringing the ball up the court but is blocked by the opposing players. Though Sean is open for a shot, Jimmy tries to make the goal himself and misses. Sean gets the rebound and the annoyed and agitated Jimmy, who is now open for a pass, impatiently tackles Sean and takes the ball scoring the winning goal.
The Degrassi students are happy that their team has won but some people, like Emma, remark on Jimmy's bad sportsmanship. Emma, Manny, J.T., and Toby are walking together when they realize that Liberty is giving announcement. Though they fear another disaster, Liberty's public speaking skills have notably improved; as she speaks in stride and with courage. It is revealed that Ashley coached and helped Liberty and she states that it will be better when Liberty reads the announcement next time, when Ashley's gone from the school.
In the boy's changeroom, they are in joyous celebration of their recent victory. Coach Armstrong confronts Jimmy about his poor teamwork and subsequently cuts him from the team.
[edit] Acting
[edit] Acting
[edit] Main cast
(As ordered in credits, alphabetically)
- Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt
- Stefan Brogren as Mr. Simpson
- Daniel Clark as Sean Cameron
- Lauren Collins as Paige Michalchuk
- Ryan Cooley as J.T. Yorke
- Jake Goldsbie as Toby Isaacs
- Aubrey Graham as Jimmy Brooks
- Shane Kippel as Spinner Mason
- Miriam McDonald as Emma Nelson
- Melissa McIntyre as Ashley Kerwin
- Christina Schmidt as Terri McGregor
- Cassie Steele as Manny Santos
- Dan Woods as Mr. Raditch
[edit] with
- Jordan Chan as Lily
- Mike Kinney as Coach Armstrong
- Linlyn Lue as Ms. Kwan
[edit] Trivia
- The Basketball Diaries is also the name of a 1978 book written by Jim Carroll, and was adapted into a film in 1995.
[edit] See also
List of Degrassi: The Next Generation episodes
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[Season One]
Degrassi: The Next Generation Season One |
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|---|---|---|
| Mother and Child Reunion, Part 1 - Mother and Child Reunion, Part 2 - Family Politics - Eye of the Beholder - Parents' Day The Mating Game - Basketball Diaries - Secrets and Lies - Coming of Age - Rumors and Reputations - Friday Night - Wannabe Cabaret - Under Pressure - Jagged Little Pill |
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