The issues of male body image and rivalry come together in Half-Court Trap. Thirteen-year-old Nigel is teased and belittled at home because of his weight so when an opposing player's trash talk enrages him, he vows revenge. When his enemy becomes a teammate, Nigel plots to make him look bad and get him off the team.

As Nigel finds out more about his rival, he not only learns empathy but comes to a new perspective on himself and acceptance of his body shape.