How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The little brown mouse slides into his hole and then Cop Dyke blocks me like I'm some punk and I'm supposed to slink away with my head low. Say that's all right. (3.40)
In the beginning of the novel, as Dominique tries to talk to her teacher about her grade, she's shut down by the female cop at the school doors. Think about how Dominique approaches the teacher, like a bird of prey sighting a mouse. And how she reacts to the cop: "slink away." They're different tacks, but Dominique definitely doesn't seem to be a fan of authority.
Quote #2
"Duncan. Out." And she points to the door like she points to the bench. Like I'm a dog and I take commands. She has the minutes, the game, the season, and I got zip. (3.56)
When Coach orders Dominique out, we see who has power. Dominique, who is used to having power over her friends, over the ball, and over the court, is powerless against Coach's rules. Her respect and reputation as a basketball player are on the line in her eyes, and so she feels that she has to do something to regain that power, whether it's on the court or off.
Quote #3
Like she don't see I'm here and all the space around me is mines so keep your pink ass on that side of the lane. No. She cuts a knife right through my space and turns. And I slam my fist into my other hand because she's as good as jumped. (3.60)
Trina skips too close to Dominique in the hallway. Already, Dominique feels disrespected from her visit to Coach, and the brief interaction with Trina offers Dominique a way to regain her respect. Here's a more accessible target than Coach, who is an adult and a teacher. Trina is just another student, and Dominique has her way back to reputation.