When Rowdy and Junior play one-on-one at the end of the book—and they don’t keep score—how is their friendship solidified by their deep knowing of who they are and what they come from?

When Rowdy goes to Junior's house and the two play one on one, we are able to see that Rowdy is finally able to overcome the distance that has grown between them. Even though this final scene shows how Junior feels as though he is a part of his tribe once more, it also becomes clear that everyone in Wellpinit, including Rowdy, can see that Junior will not stay there. Rowdy, however, contextualizes Junior's aspirations within the Indian tradition: he is a nomad like their ancestors were before settlers trapped them on reservations and stripped away their hope. By making this comparison, Rowdy shows Junior that he can be an Indian and be successful, as long as he remembers where he comes from.