Gleason Gather has something to prove. Not to his family or classmates. Not to his teachers or pastor. Not even to the girl he likes. He has something burning within his heart. He has an incandescent spirit that is beginning to germinate within his soul. He has something to prove... to himself.

In the early, hazy month of September 1984, Grice Grafton will begin a brand new odyssey at Northside High School. After learning to play pool as a youngster from his mentor Mr. Evans, Grice thought he knew everything he needed to know to survive in the world. 'Life is pool' according to his mentor and Grice believed him. At Northside, Grice would learn much more than he could ever imagine when he allows his loyalty to his one true childhood friend pull the mild mannered Grice into a pool match with a ruthless thug named Dragon, who will stop at nothing to win. The days leading up to the match will test Grice's views on race relations; his perception of his longtime friend, Brenda; his relationship with his father; his faith; and even his dreams. Grice's first few days of high school will shatter his world...forever.

Gleason Gather has something to prove. Not to his family or classmates. Not to his teachers or pastor. Not even to the girl he likes. He has something burning within his heart. He has an incandescent spirit that is beginning to germinate within his soul. He has something to prove... to himself.

In the early, hazy month of September 1984, Grice Grafton will begin a brand new odyssey at Northside High School. After learning to play pool as a youngster from his mentor Mr. Evans, Grice thought he knew everything he needed to know to survive in the world. 'Life is pool' according to his mentor and Grice believed him. At Northside, Grice would learn much more than he could ever imagine when he allows his loyalty to his one true childhood friend pull the mild mannered Grice into a pool match with a ruthless thug named Dragon, who will stop at nothing to win. The days leading up to the match will test Grice's views on race relations; his perception of his longtime friend, Brenda; his relationship with his father; his faith; and even his dreams. Grice's first few days of high school will shatter his world...forever.