Scouting the Rez Slides Game Plan
Rez Ball Showdown
A Literary Scouting Report of the Novel by Byron Graves
Lesson 1: Scouting the Rez
The Home Court
"Basketball is more than a game here. It's how we speak to each other. It's how we remember."
Red Lake Reservation
Community: A tight-knit Ojibwe reservation in Northern Minnesota.
The Gym: The heartbeat of the Rez, where legacies are made and broken.
Pressure: High expectations from a community looking for hope.
Starting Lineup
The Protagonist
Tre
The Struggle
Living in the shadow of his legendary late brother, Jaxon.
The Goal
Leading the Red Lake Warriors to the state tournament.
Supporting Roster
Who influences Tre early in the story?
TD
Tre's Dad: A former star who understands the game's weight.
KB
Kobe: The teammate challenging Tre to step up.
Word Drills
Resilience
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
"Tre showed resilience after missing the winning shot."
Legacy
Something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.
"He felt the weight of Jaxon's basketball legacy."
Ambivalence
The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.
"Tre felt ambivalence about returning to the gym."
Cultural Identity
The feeling of belonging to a group based on shared culture.
"The game is a huge part of their cultural identity."
The Team Huddle
In your scouting groups, discuss:
"Why is it so hard for Tre to play for the Red Lake Warriors? Is it the other team, or is it something else?"
Player Scouting Report Tracker Scouting Report
Unit: Rez Ball Showdown
Player Name:
Date:
Protagonist: Tre
Character Stats
External Goal (The "Win"):
Internal Struggle (The "Defense"):
Visual Representation
Sketch Tre or a symbol that represents him (e.g., his brother's sneakers, etc.)
Supporting Roster
Jaxon
Legacy
How does Tre feel about living in Jaxon's shadow?
Tre's Dad
Family
How does his dad's past influence Tre's future?
The Home Court: Red Lake Reservation
The setting of Rez Ball is just as important as the characters. Describe the atmosphere of the community and the gym during a big game.
Page 1: Character & Setting
Evidence Locker
"Rez ball isn't just about basketball. It's about heart, history, and proving you belong on the floor."
Character Trait Text Evidence (Novel) Tre Resilient
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| Tre's Dad |
Supportive
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| Kobe |
Competitive
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Post-Game Huddle (Discussion Questions)
1. Why does the community put so much pressure on the basketball team? How does Tre feel about this?
2. Contrast Tre's relationship with his late brother Jaxon to his relationship with his teammates. How are they different?
Page 2: Evidence & Analysis
Vocabulary Drills Worksheet Word Drills
Unit: Rez Ball Showdown
Student Name:
Round 1: Matching Stats
Match the vocabulary word to its correct "play" (definition). Write the letter in the jersey.
1
Resilience
2
Legacy
3
Ambivalence
4
Identity
5
Internal Conflict
A. Having mixed feelings or being unsure.
B. A struggle happening inside a character's mind.
C. Being able to bounce back from a loss or challenge.
D. Something handed down from the past (like a reputation).
E. The qualities and beliefs that make a person who they are.
Round 2: Game Situations
Complete the sentences using the words from Round 1. Read carefully!
1. Tre feels the weight of his late brother's basketball ______________________ every time he steps onto the court.
2. Even though he loves his team, Tre feels ______________________ about playing after his brother's tragedy.
3. The Red Lake Warriors showed incredible ______________________ by coming back from a 15-point deficit.
4. Tre's ______________________ is tied to his community and the game of Rez Ball.
Bonus: Pro Tip
Choose one word and explain how it relates to Tre in the first few chapters of the novel.
Vocabulary: Lesson 1
Rez Ball Showdown
Personal Foul Slides Violation
Personal Foul
The Consequences of Choice, Fame, and Friction in Chapters 26-30
Lesson 3: The Fallout
Breaking Records
Tre scores 54 points. He breaks Jaxon's school record. He is no longer a shadow—he is the sun.
Viral Status
Slam Magazine reaches out. The world is watching Red Lake.
The Weight of Praise
Every fan, teammate, and family member sees Tre as the next D-1 star.
The Off-Court Mess
Chapters 27 & 28
The Choice
Tre attends Shane's party. He chooses to drink. He chooses to ignore the "No Alcohol" team rules.
The Friction
Social media reveals Khiana and Wes together. Tre's jealousy and the alcohol create a toxic mix.
The Conflict
"We're three most infamous party animals at our school. Through blurred vision, I watch another shot poured in front of me."
The Clash
Tre vs. Wes
The hangover at school isn't the only problem. Tre confronts his best friend in the parking lot.
Betrayal or Misunderstanding?
The End of the Documentary?
Broken Bonds
"I didn't steal anyone. And maybe that's all true. And I am some weird-ass-looking light-skinned boy. But at least I'm myself." — Wes
Principal's Office
"Because basketball isn't all there is... College is harder than you'd imagine. I need to speak to Tre." — Principal Thomas
The Rule
Zero tolerance for alcohol on the team.
The Reality
Tre's future is at stake. Will he be suspended?
Violation Report Worksheet Violation Report
Case Study: Chapters 27-30
Scout Name:
The "Personal Foul"
After breaking Jaxon's scoring record, Tre makes a series of off-court choices that threaten his future. Analyze the chain of events below.
The Choice (The Party)
Why did Tre decide to drink at Shane's party? What was his mindset?
The Conflict (The Fight)
What triggered the fight with Wes in the parking lot? How much was the alcohol vs. the jealousy?
Consequence Tracker
On-Court Impact
How did his choices affect the game against the Gophers?
Team Impact
How did Kevin's injury and Tre's behavior affect the team's morale?
Future Impact
What did Principal Thomas reveal about Tre's potential consequences?
"I'm pretty sure everyone will be telling everyone else all about it. On my rez, the walls have ears... there's no such thing as a secret on the rez."
Critical Thinking:
Does the community's closeness help Tre or hurt him in this situation? Explain.
Lesson 3: Violation Report Rez Ball Showdown Unit
Team Talk Cards Activity Team Talk Cards
Group Discussion & Hands-on Activities
Lesson 2: Court Logic
Teacher: Cut these cards along the dashed lines. Distribute one card to each small group or use them for a "speed dating" discussion style.
1
The Defensive Wall
Discussion Prompt:
"Who is the toughest 'defender' in Tre's life right now? Is it a person, or is it his own memories of Jaxon?"
Type: Internal Conflict
2
Jersey Symbolism
Hands-on Task:
"On a piece of scrap paper, design a jersey that represents Tre's new identity, NOT Jaxon's legacy. What colors or symbols would you use?"
Type: Theme/Symbolism
3
Home Court Pressure
Discussion Prompt:
"How does the Red Lake Reservation setting act like a 'character' in the story? Does it help Tre or hold him back?"
Type: Setting Analysis
4
The Winning Play
Hands-on Task:
"Draw a simple diagram of a basketball play that represents Tre's personal growth in the novel. Where is he starting? Where is he ending?"
Type: Plot/Character Arc
5
Family Influence
Discussion Prompt:
"Tre's dad was a former star. How does his father's presence in the stands change the way Tre plays? Is it inspiration or added weight?"
Type: Character Dynamics
6
The Rivalry
Discussion Prompt:
"Think about Kobe. How is he different from Tre? Does having a rival like Kobe make Tre better or worse?"
Type: External Conflict
Rez Ball Showdown: Collaborative Unit
Court Logic Slides Lesson 2
Court Logic
Plot Structure & Literary Elements
Exposition
Resolution
The Peak Moment
Chapter 24 Analysis
The Climax?
The win against Minneapolis (state champions) feels like the ultimate victory. Tre hits the buzzer-beater 3 while wearing Jaxon's shoes.
The "Legacy" Shoes
"Ying my shoelaces tight, I stare at Jaxon's shoes. Come on, bro. I need you tonight." — Tre
Rising Action Stats
Beating the State Champs
Tre breaking 30+ points
National attention (Slam Mag)
Mid-Season Pressure
Internal
Man vs. Legacy
Tre finally feels he has "earned" Jaxon's shoes, but the pressure to stay at that level begins to build.
External
Man vs. Expectations
Coach Whitefeather's intense training, the community's demand for a state title, and the rivalry with Kobe.
The Big Idea
Theme
"Is basketball just a game, or is it a way to survive the shadow of the past?"
Identity Beyond Blood
Finding out who YOU are when you stop trying to be someone else.
The Cost of Fame
What happens to a team when one player becomes 'Viral'?
The Season Map
Use your worksheets to map Tre's journey. Is the Minneapolis game the end of the Rising Action, or the start of the Climax?
Rise
Minneapolis
State?
Play-by-Play Map Play-By-Play Map
Analyzing Plot Structure
Student:
3. Climax (The Turning Point)
Identify the "Big Game" moment:
2. Rising Action
Play 1:
Play 2:
Play 3:
4. Falling Action
What happens after the peak?
1. Exposition
The Setup (Characters/Setting):
5. Resolution
The Final Buzzer (Ending):
The Matchup: Conflict Check
Internal Conflict (Man vs. Self)
Tre's internal battle is:
External Conflict (Man vs. World)
One external obstacle is:
Lesson 2: Court Logic Rez Ball Showdown
Screen vs Page Slides Lesson 3
Screen vs Page
The Adaptation Matchup
The Novel
VS
The Movie
The Ref's Call
Adaptation Choice
"Directors and authors use different tools. When a book becomes a movie, some things must change."
Pacing
Movies have limited time. Long inner thoughts in the book become quick visual shots in the film.
Visualization
The Rez is no longer just in your head—it’s seen. Basketball plays become high-action sequences.
Deletions
Characters or small sub-plots might be removed to keep the focus on Tre's main journey.
Novel Playbook
The Book's Advantage
Inner Monologue
In the novel, we are inside Tre's head. We feel his fear and hear his private thoughts about his late brother Jaxon.
Rich Detail
Byron Graves uses words to describe the smell of the gym and the cold air of Northern Minnesota.
Character Depth
More secondary characters get their own "screen time" in the book than in the movie.
Film Reel
The Movie's Advantage
Audio
The sound of the crowd, the squeak of shoes, and the soundtrack build emotion.
Action
The high-speed Rez Ball plays are visually exciting and easier to follow than reading about them.
Emotion
We see the expressions on Tre's face. We see the community's reaction in the stands.
Ref's Call Review
Are you ready to spot the differences? Get your comparison charts ready—it's game time!
Spot the Difference
Check the Stats
Matchup Analysis Chart Worksheet Matchup Analysis
Novel vs. Movie Comparison
Student:
First Impression:
Before we analyze, which version of Rez Ball did you enjoy more? Why?
The Category The Novel (Text) The Movie (Visual) Tre's Feelings
How do we know what he is thinking?
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The Teammates
Are any characters missing or different?
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The Climax
How was the tournament shown/described?
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The Resolution
Was the ending satisfying in both?
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Synthesis: The Final Call
If you were the director, what is one scene from the novel that was NOT in the movie that you would have included? Why is it important?
Lesson 3: Screen vs Page Rez Ball Showdown
Championship Project Slides Final Assessment
Championship Project
The Final Buzzer Presentation
The Mission
Project Goals
"You are the head coach of your own media company. You must present an analysis comparing the Rez Ball novel and film."
Analyze
Compare how characters and plot points were handled in both versions.
Evaluate
Explain which version (Novel or Film) was more effective in telling Tre's story.
Present
Create a visual presentation (slides or poster) using your Presentation Playbook outline.
Presentation Outline
Slide requirements
Slides 1-2
Title & Intro
Setting & Character Recap
Slides 3-4
Key Differences (Plot/Conflict)
Novel Strengths vs Movie Strengths
Slide 5: The "Final Score"
Your personal review and recommendation. Which version should another student experience first? Why?
Scoring Stats
Content
Accurate novel and movie info.
Comparison
Clear analysis of differences.
Visuals
Professional layout and images.
Delivery
Confident speaking and eye contact.
Deadline: Presentation Days begin on ______________
Project Work Time
Grab your Presentation Playbook and start drafting your slides. Use your "Matchup Analysis" chart for evidence!
Presentation Playbook Organizer Presentation Playbook
Final Project Outline
Presenter:
Use this playbook to draft your slides. Each box represents one slide in your final presentation. Keep your points clear and bulleted!
Slide 1: Title & Hook
The Title Play
Catchy Title:
Your Name & Date:
Slide 2: Scouting Recap
The Team & Court
One key fact about Tre:
Describe the Red Lake Setting in 3 words:
Slide 3: Key Differences
The Adaptation Shift
Identify one major difference between the Novel and the Movie:
In the Novel...
In the Movie...
Part 1: Drafting the Start Page 1 of 2
Finishing the Game Plan
Slide 4: Pros & Cons
The Strengths
One thing the NOVEL did better:
One thing the MOVIE did better:
Slide 5: The Final Score
Your Expert Recommendation
Which version should people watch/read first? Why? Be persuasive!
Pro Tips for Presenting
Eye Contact
Look at your audience, not just your notes.
Clear Voice
Speak loud and slow so the Ref can hear you.
Be Confident
You are the expert on Rez Ball!
Part 2: The Final Buzzer Page 2 of 2
