Basketball has always been an escape for Finley. He lives in a town ruled buy the Irish mob, drugs, violence, and racial tension. He has always dreamed of getting out of this place, but wearing number 21 helps him in the meantime. Super athlete Russ has just moved to the neighborhood due to tragic circumstances. Separated from all his loved ones, he only responds to the name Boy 21, taken from his old jersey. Both are forced to put on act to continue with their lives. They meet in senior year and the friendship that they develop offers them the answers they both seek.