Chapter 16 - Seniors vs Juniors basketball match

The ball sailed through the air, and Fredickson snatched it up, his hands closing around it like a vice. In a flash, Long Man and Devinson sprinted down the court, their feet pounding the pavement in perfect sync.

I hung back, my eyes fixed on the youngsters as they clashed with our opponents. I wanted to see what they were made of, to test their mettle in the heat of battle.

James darted forward, his arms outstretched as he tried to block Devinson's path. But Devinson was too quick, too slick. He dodged James's outstretched arms and fired a lightning-fast pass to Long Man.

Long Man leapt into the air, his arms extended as he released the ball. It soared through the air, a perfect arc, and swooshed through the hoop. Sylvia cheers as Coach David's voice boomed through the air.

"2-0! Points to Team Thiru!”

Thiru grinned, his face alight with triumph, as he high-fived Long Man. They were a formidable team, but I knew we couldn't underestimate them. After all, this was just a friendly match, and the real test was yet to come.

I sprang into action, my feet pounding the pavement as I sprinted down the court. I passed the ball to Subramaniam, who passed it to Adam. Adam dribbled the ball with ease, his eyes scanning the court for an opening.

He spotted James and passed the ball to him. James passed it to Wong, who leapt into the air, the ball soaring through his fingers.

But Thiru was ready for him. He towered over Wong, his arms outstretched, and blocked the shot with ease. Wong's eyes widened in surprise, and he stumbled backward, his face pale.

Thiru grinned, his eyes glinting with triumph. "You gotta improve, kid!”

But I was quick to intervene, my voice calm and reassuring. "Hey, don't mind about it, Wong. Keep going, because it's all about the whole game, not one-on-one. Got it?”

Wong nodded, his face set in determination. I grinned, my heart swelling with pride. These youngsters had spirit, and with the right training, they could be unstoppable...

The game was off to a blistering start, with Long Man sprinting down the court and launching a long pass to Thiru. Thiru leapt into the air, his arms outstretched, and slammed the ball into the hoop. Coach David's voice boomed through the air once more.

"4-0! Points to Thiru's team!!!”

But that was just the beginning. By the end of the first quarter, the score was a dismal 24-0, with Thiru's team dominating the court. Our team was getting trashed, and it was time for a timeout.

As we huddled together, gasping for air, I asked my team, "How's it going, guys?"

Wong spoke up, his voice laced with frustration. "Yeah, they're tough…but..."

Adam finished his sentence for him. "But you haven't started yet, right?”

I grinned, my eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, you can't rely on me yet, right? Remember what I said - no one is allowed to be a bench warmer here…"

My strict gaze swept over my team, and they instantly looked intimidated. But I just smiled, my expression softening.

"Alright, here's what we're going to do next..." I began to outline our strategy, assigning roles to each player. "Adam, James, and Wong, you'll be our main shooters. Focus on what you're good at.”

Adam spoke up, his voice hesitant. "But, Captain, I'm not that good at three-pointers yet..."

I leaned in, my voice low and serious. "A shooting guard needs someone who can guard that area. You're not perfect, but you're capable. Got it?”

Adam nodded, his eyes shining with determination. He clenched his fist and slammed it into his palm, a fierce glint in his eye. I grinned, satisfied.

"It's time to turn this game around. Let's show them what we're made of!"

The next set begins, and our young team springs into action. They move with a fluidity that belies their inexperience, working together like a well-oiled machine.

Wong sprints down the court, the ball clutched in his hands. He launches a perfect pass to Adam, who leaps into the air, his arms outstretched. The ball soars through the air, a perfect arc, and Thiru strains to block it. But Adam's shot is too strong, and it bounces off the rim.

James is Johnny-on-the-spot, grabbing the rebound in mid-air. But Devinson is hot on his heels, and he snatches the ball from James's grasp. He sprints down the court, the ball clutched in his hands, and launches a perfect pass to Thiru.

But I am ready for him. I anticipate the pass and intercept it with ease. I sprint down the court, the ball clutched in my hands, and pass it to Wong. He takes off like a shot, his feet pounding the pavement.

As we play, I catch Devinson's eye and call out to him. "Hey, you need to improve your vision and tactical knowledge of the game! You can't just rely on one person to set the move. As a point guard, you need to make the rhythm!”

Devinson nods, his face set in determination. "Got it, Captain!" he shouts back.

As we play on, I notice that we have attracted a small crowd of spectators. Sylvia is cheering us on, her face alight with excitement. But she isn't the only one - Sadie, Devinson's girlfriend, is also cheering him on, her eyes shining with pride.

Devinson catches her eye and waves, a goofy grin spreading across his face. But Thiru is quick to bring him back down to earth. "Hey, don't get distracted!" he smacks Devinson on the back. "Those bloody juniors just got lucky!"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. It seems that Thiru is jealous of Devinson's attention from Sadie. This is going to be interesting...

The momentum has shifted, and our team is on fire! Wong, fueled by his newfound confidence, sprints down the court, his eyes fixed on the hoop. Thiru and Fredickson try to block him, but Wong is unstoppable. He weaves through their defenses with ease, his agility and quick reflexes allowing him to dodge their outstretched arms.

With a final burst of speed, Wong launches himself into the air, the ball clutched in his hands. He slams it into the hoop, the sound of the ball bouncing off the rim echoing through the air.

Coach David's voice booms through the air, "24-2!!! Points to Team Alex!! Nice shot!!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, their voices adding to the electric atmosphere. But our team remains focused, our eyes fixed on the prize.

Adam, emboldened by Wong's success, takes a shot, his arms outstretched as he releases the ball. It soars through the air, a perfect arc, and swooshes through the hoop. Two more points for our team!

In just two minutes, our score improves dramatically - 34-20. The game is heating up, and it's anyone's match.

James, our young rebounding sensation, is on fire. He grabs rebound after rebound, his agility and quick reflexes allowing him to outmaneuver his opponents.

But James is more than just a rebounding machine. He's a cautious player, always thinking two steps ahead. He doesn't score like Peter, but he's a master passer, always looking for the open man.

James jumps into the air, his arms outstretched as he releases the ball. But Fredickson is ready for him, blocking the shot with ease. The ball bounces off the rim, and Long Man grabs it, sprinting down the court.

But Wong is hot on his heels, marking him like a hawk. I watch with bated breath as Wong blocks Long Man's shot, the ball bouncing off the rim.

Now it's Subramaniam's turn to shine. I signal to him, urging him to take the shot. But Thiru, Fredickson, and Jackson are closing in, trying to block his path.

I steal the ball from Long Man, sprinting down the court with ease. I pass the ball to Subramaniam, who leaps into the air, his arms outstretched.

Time seems to slow down as Subramaniam slams the ball into the hoop, the sound of the ball bouncing off the rim echoing through the air.

The crowd erupts into cheers, their voices deafening. "WHOA!!!!! That is something!!!"

Subramaniam's slam dunk sends shockwaves through the court, and Frankie's eyes light up with excitement. I flash Frankie a gang sign, signaling that Subramaniam is a worthy rival and successor. Frankie grins, clearly impressed.

The game intensifies, with both teams fighting to control their stamina. The score is now 38-26, closer than usual, but I know we still have a long way to go.

I glance at my team, my eyes burning with determination. "I'm going to take things seriously now, so hope you guys can handle the pace..." I warn them, my voice low and menacing.

Devinson dribbles the ball, but I'm lightning-quick. I steal the ball from him and launch a counterattack, shouting "Counter!!!" as I sprint down the court.

My team responds instantly, our movements a perfectly choreographed dance. I spot an opening and take the shot, my fingers releasing the ball with precision. It's a 3-point shot, my specialty, and it sails through the air, a perfect arc.

The crowd erupts into cheers as the ball swooshes through the hoop. "Whoa!!!! That is something!!!" they shout.

One of the spectators, a burly man with a thick beard, exclaims, "Are you an idiot? That's our ace!!! It's been a while since we've seen him in action!!”

Another spectator, a petite girl with a bright smile, chimes in, "Yeah, that's what makes our team one of the best in the state!!”

I don't give the opposing team a chance to breathe. I steal the ball from Long Man and pass it to Adam, shouting "Shoot it!!" as I sprint down the court.

Adam takes the jump shot, but it bounces off the rim. James blocks Thiru from taking the rebound, and I leap into the air, slamming the ball into the hoop with a resounding dunk.

The crowd goes wild, cheering and chanting "Keep going, senior!!! Show them!!!" Coach David shouts, "38-31!!! Keep going!!!”

Sylvia and Sadie are jumping up and down, their excitement infectious.

Sylvia's...ahem...assets are bouncing with each jump, causing a distraction among the male spectators. Sadie, though not as...gifted, is still bouncing up and down, her face alight with excitement.

The momentum is on our side, and I seize the opportunity to launch a fierce attack. Devinson passes to Thiru once more, but I'm ready for him. I snatch the ball from the air, my fingers closing around it like a vice.

Frankie's voice rings out, his words laced with urgency. "Stop doing the same mistake, Devinson!!" he shouts, his eyes blazing with intensity.

I swiftly pass the ball to Wong, who's poised near the basket. He leaps into the air, his arms outstretched, and releases the shot. But Jackson is ready for him, blocking the shot with a resounding thud.

The ball bounces away, and Jackson snatches it up, passing it to Devinson. Devinson takes a deep breath, his eyes scanning the court. "Let's do this one by one!" he declares, his voice firm and resolute.

Frankie applauds him, his face alight with approval. "Good! Keep going!" he encourages, his voice ringing out across the court.

Devinson's teammates nod in agreement, their faces set with determination. They know that Thiru is being targeted, and they need to adapt their strategy. Devinson makes a swift pass to Long Man, who releases the shot.

But Coach David's voice rings out, his words laced with caution. "Hey, don't rush the shot!" he warns, his eyes fixed intently on Long Man.

The ball bounces off the rim, and James seizes the rebound. He passes the ball to me, and I spring into action, my movements fluid and precise. I weave through the court, making a series of swift passes to each member of my team.

Adam gains confidence with each pass, his eyes shining with determination. He releases the shot, and it soars through the air, a perfect arc.

The ball swooshes through the hoop, and the crowd erupts into cheers. "38-33!" Coach David shouts, his voice ringing out across the court. We're getting close, and the tension is palpable. The game is far from over, and the outcome hangs precariously in the balance.

The crowd is on the edge of their seats, their faces tense with excitement. It's been a while since they've seen a game this intense, and they're feeding off the energy. Suddenly, Amin and Mariam burst into the crowd, their voices ringing out across the court. "WOooo!!! Go Daggers!!!!" they shout, their faces alight with enthusiasm.

Frankie, the referee, is warming up, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He can't wait to get into the action, to be a part of this electrifying game.

I take the ball, my fingers closing around it like a vice. I make the pass, my eyes scanning the court for the perfect opportunity to strike. I want to create another intense moment, to put the opposing team under pressure.

I speed through the court, Thiru, Devinson, and Fredickson hot on my heels. They block my path, their arms outstretched, but I'm not deterred. I leap into the air, time seeming to slow down as I hover above the court.

In that moment, I see Subramaniam getting into the rhythm again. I take a fake shot, the ball flying through the air, and pass it to him. Subramaniam takes the jump, his arms outstretched, and slams the ball into the hoop.

The basket shakes, as if it's been hit by a tornado, and the crowd erupts into cheers. Frankie's eyes widen in amazement, and Coach David signals him to stay back, not to get too caught up in the excitement.

I signal to Frankie, a grin spreading across my face. "Looks like this club is going to have a good future, right?" I say, my voice dripping with confidence.

Frankie is getting fired up now, his face alight with enthusiasm. Even Fredickson and Thiru are getting pumped up, their faces set with determination.

Subramaniam is proving himself to be a valuable asset, defending the back with ease while taking chances to score. And Wong is showing off his skills, making chances to score and creating space for Adam and me to do our thing.

The score is now 45-42, the game intense and thrilling, like we're battling for first place. Wong, Adam, and James strike a pose, their faces set with strength and determination, as if to say, "Bring it on!"

I'm waiting to see Devinson in action, and now's my chance. He's a valuable asset, and his skills on the court are undeniable. He starts to dribble, his movements low and fast, weaving through our defense with ease.

He makes a layup, and the ball swooshes into the net. Coach David's voice rings out, "47-42!!!! Good game!!!" The crowd erupts into cheers, and Sadie is jumping with joy. But Thiru smacks Devinson's back, reminding him to stay focused and not get distracted by the girls. Devinson grins, but his teammates are glaring at him, warning him to keep his priorities straight.

Thiru takes the chance and drives into the middle of our basket area. Subramaniam is showing some impressive defense, but he's alone, and Long Man seizes the opportunity. Wong is guarding him, and Adam is blocking Jackson, leaving Fredrickson and Devinson open. But James is on top of it, guarding the two of them, and I see my chance to steal the ball from Devinson.

"Not this time!!!" Devinson says, avoiding my steal with a sly smile. He makes a behind-the-back pass to Long Man, who's waiting on the left. I jump instinctively, but it's a rookie error. Long Man passes the ball back to Devinson, who speeds through our defense and scores.

Coach David's voice rings out again, "49-42!!!" The crowd goes wild, and one of them starts chanting Devinson's name. Sadie is jumping up and down, her eyes shining with excitement. Mariam and Amin are taunting me, "Hey, kinda rusty, right?!" I sneer, slapping my face in frustration.

But I've had enough. It's time to release all the energy I've been holding back. I grin, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Seems like you all want to have this much more, right?" I say, my eyes glinting with determination.

Devinson's team is back in focus, but I'm not going to let them get the upper hand. I start running, my feet pounding the court, and I steal the ball from Devinson. I'm in my zone now, speeding through their defense like it's nothing.

The crowd is on their feet, cheering and chanting my name. They're forgetting that there's another ace on this team, and I'm about to remind them. I dribble low and fast, passing to Wong, who catches my pace. Adam passes the ball back to me, and I pass it to James, who's speeding through the main.

Fredrickson and Thiru are guarding him, but James is unstoppable. He passes the ball back to me, and I charge towards the hoop, making a jump shot for three points. But Fredrickson makes the block, and Coach David shouts, "Don't!!!" Too late, though. The foul is called, and I get two penalty shots.

The crowd erupts into cheers, and I hear someone shout, "That's the ace who led our team last year!!!" Fredrickson says to me, "Shit, still the same mistake." I clap him on the back, encouraging him to stay focused. "Don't worry, you're going to get stronger. Got it?" We exchange a high-five, and the game continues.

The crowd holds its collective breath as I sink the two penalty shots, the score now a nail-biting 49-47. The game has reached a fever pitch, with every player on the court giving it their all.

I can see the seniors' intensity ratcheting up, their movements becoming more fluid and synchronized, like a well-oiled machine. They're starting to look like a team that's played together for years, their chemistry and camaraderie palpable.

I turn to the juniors, my voice low and urgent. "Now this is the team that I played with last year... let's get serious, got it?" I warn them, my eyes burning with determination.

Adam and Wong are the first to respond, their voices ringing out in unison. "WOOOO!!!!!" they shout, their faces set with determination.

James nods professionally, his eyes locked on the court. Subramaniam, on the other hand, is a whirlwind of energy, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He gazes at Frankie, his finger pointed accusingly. "CAPTAIN!!!!! WHEN ARE WE GOING TO START!!?" he demands, his voice echoing across the court.

The crowd goes wild, their cheers and chants creating a deafening din. Coach David signals Frankie to play, and I see Long Man suddenly volunteer to exchange, his eyes flashing with competitiveness.

The full team is here now, and it's time to see if we're capable of handling the pressure. The aura of the game has shifted, and I can feel my own intensity ratcheting up. It's time to get serious, to put everything on the line and give it our all.

I crack my knuckles, a fierce grin spreading across my face. "Let's do this," I mutter to myself, my eyes locked on the court. The game is on, and it's time to put our skills to the test.

Frankie's voice rings out, his words dripping with drama. "The only super ace in this league is only...." He points at me, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Show me what you got, everyone…"

The game begins, and Frankie receives the pass. He suddenly unleashes a long, arcing pass to Devinson, catching us all off guard. Devinson seizes the opportunity, scoring with ease.

The crowd explodes into a frenzy of cheers, and my gaze sweeps across the sea of faces, locking onto a familiar group of spectators. My old friends from SMK Putatan - Saturn, Zuan, Geof, and Arie - are seated together, their eyes shining with excitement. They're joined by a formidable lineup of basketball aces: Awang, the legendary captain of Kings; Gabriel, the fierce warrior of Wild Cats; and Yon, the lightning-fast point guard of Marlins. Their faces are set with intensity, their eyes burning with a fierce competitive spirit.

But my attention is drawn to another team, their eyes fixed on us with a mixture of awe and trepidation. One of their members, a tall, lanky player with a look of sheer terror etched on his face, catches my eye. He's trembling, his eyes wide with fear, as if he's staring into the face of doom itself.

Frankie leans in, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's SMK Bahang's basketball team... Looks like they're scared..." His words are laced with a hint of amusement, and I can sense a sly grin spreading across his face.

I follow Frankie's gaze, and my eyes lock onto the SMK Bahang team. Indeed, they seem intimidated, their faces pale and worried. But I just smile, a fierce glint in my eye. It's time to show them what Team Dagger is all about - why we're the reigning champions, and why we're not going to let anyone take that title away from us.

Adam passes the ball to me, and I unleash a skill that leaves everyone speechless. I take a shot from mid-court, the ball flying like a rocket, diving straight into the net without even touching the rim.

The crowd is silent for a moment, then erupts into a deafening roar. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!?" someone shouts. "THAT'S THE ACE OF DAGGER!!!!!! ALL OF OUR TEAM IS REALLY GOOD!!!!!" Another voice chimes in, "LOOKS LIKE WE'RE AIMING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!”

The injured players are cheering us on, their faces alight with excitement. Peter, looking sheepish, grins at me. "OH SHIT!!!! THERE GOES MY CAPTAINCY!!!!" I chuckle, patting him on the back. "Better luck next time..." Frankie's showing off, but I'm just getting started.

I turn to Subramaniam, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Can you do an alley-oop pass?" He nods, a smile spreading across his face. "Got it, captain…"

The game starts again, and Devinson passes the ball. Wong steals it, passing it to Subramaniam. This is my cue. He launches the long pass, and I leap into the air, slamming down an alley-oop dunk.

The crowd goes wild, and I can see the juniors staring at me in awe. "WHOA!!! CAPTAIN HE COULD DUNK!!!" one of them exclaims. I grin, feeling the rush of adrenaline. This is going to be an entertaining game.

The half-time buzzer blares, and the scoreboard reads 60-58, a heart-stoppingly close game. Coach David gathers us around, his voice low and urgent. "Looks like other teams are taking notice…"

But before he can continue, a commotion breaks out at the entrance. A camera crew bursts in, led by a poised journalist, microphone in hand. "Hi, I'm from ESPN! It looks like there's an intense aura surrounding this game. Anything new?" She thrusts the microphone at Coach David, who launches into a detailed explanation of our strategy.

I roll my eyes, uncomfortable with the sudden spotlight. I'd rather focus on warming up, getting my muscles ready for the second half. But as I glance around, I notice that our team members are surprisingly energetic, despite the grueling first half.

We huddle up, a fierce determination burning within us. Subramaniam and Frankie take the front, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The air is electric with tension, a rivalry simmering just below the surface.

The game resumes, and they both jump, their movements a blur. But Frankie's larger build gives him an edge, and he outmuscles Subramaniam, passing the ball to Devinson. I seize the opportunity, stealing the ball from Devinson with lightning-quick reflexes.

Devinson tries to snatch it back, but I'm too fast. I pass to Wong, who speeds through the court, only to be confronted by Frankie, standing tall like a wall. Wong's eyes widen, intimidated, and he passes to Adam, who's quickly closed in by Fredickson.

Adam passes back to me, and I scan the court, searching for an opening. I spot James, and with a swift pass, he takes the shot. The crowd holds its breath, waiting for the outcome...

The ball teeters on the edge of the basket, threatening to fall off, and the crowd erupts into a frenzy of shouts. "REBOUND!!!!" they chant, their voices echoing off the walls.

James leaps into the air, but Frankie's towering figure looms over him, casting a long shadow. Frankie snatches the ball, his movements swift and decisive. But I'm not one to give up easily. I slide in, my eyes locked on the ball, and with a quick nudge, I steal it from beneath Frankie's grasp.

The ball lifts upwards, and in a flash, I pass it to Adam, who's waiting in the wings, free and clear. He takes the shot, and the ball swooshes through the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

"THE SCOREBOARD IS EVEN NOW!!" a commentator's voice booms, echoing off the walls. "WHAT A MATCH WE SEE THIS EVENING!!”

The commotion is palpable, and I wonder who could have orchestrated this thrilling matchup. My eyes scan the crowd, and I spot a familiar face - Mr. Rahman, Melissa, and her baby, William, are all seated at the podium, beaming with pride.

The game resumes, and Devinson starts off strong, passing to Jackson, who sprints towards the front. He passes to Thiru, who takes the shot, but Subramaniam is ready, blocking it with ease. The crowd goes wild once more.

The student section is a sea of colorful jerseys, with pedestrians and students from other schools mixed in, all cheering and chanting for their favorite team. James passes to Wong, who dribbles past Devinson and Fredrickson, only to be confronted by Frankie once again.

Frankie passes to James, and the battle begins anew. I lunge forward, and James makes a pass to Wong, but it's a fake. Wong hands the ball to me, and I weave through the tight space, my movements a blur. I dunk the ball, and the crowd erupts into cheers.

Coach David's voice rings out, "60-62!!!! Team Thiru, keep going! Don't lose the momentum! Team Alex, good job!!!" I can feel the momentum shifting in our favor. But the game is far from over, and I know that Frankie and his team will stop at nothing to take the lead.

Time seems to slow down as the clock ticks away, the final half coming to a close with a heart-stopping score of 98-99. The atmosphere is electric, the tension palpable, as both teams stand exhausted, their bodies drained of energy.

I gaze out at my team, their faces etched with fatigue, their eyes sunken, but their spirits unbroken. I take a deep breath, my own body screaming in protest, but my mind racing with determination. "What do you think?" I ask them, my voice low and urgent. "This is what a game is all about…"

Adam speaks up, his voice laced with conviction. "If we played like this, I'm pretty sure they won't look down on us..." Wong nods in agreement, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I'm pretty sure they're looking for other options to attack..." Subramaniam turns to me, his face set with determination. "Frankie is really good and strong…"

I meet their gaze, my eyes burning with a fierce competitive spirit. "Well, they all started slow and from the bottom, not as high as the skies. So let's make this day a well-earned and improving one for us all..." My words hang in the air, and then, as one, my team erupts into a fierce battle cry. “WOOOO!!!!"

Frankie's eyes lock onto mine, a glint of respect in their depths. "What do you think now, our team?" he asks, his voice low and even. I grin, a fierce glint in my eye. "Well, I believe I'm pretty sure that without me, an average team would be a cinch. But better watch out for it..." Our fists meet in a symbol of respect, marking the end of this epic match.

But before the referee can call the game, I add, my voice dripping with drama, "But one thing's for sure... I'm going to show you all that you need to watch out for..." The crowd holds its collective breath, sensing that something explosive is about to happen. Frankie's eyes narrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. The stage is set for an unforgettable finale.

The final 5 minutes of the game are a blur of intensity, with Subramaniam and Frankie going head-to-head once again. But this time, Subramaniam manages to outmaneuver him, passing the ball to me with a fierce cry of triumph.

I dribble past the defenders, my eyes scanning the court for an opening. Adam is waiting in the wings, and I pass the ball to him. He takes the shot, but Devinson blocks it, sending the ball flying back to Frankie. Frankie seizes the opportunity, dunking the ball with a resounding crash that rattles the backboard.

Coach David's voice rings out, "100-99!!!" The crowd erupts into a frenzy of cheers, but I'm not deterred. "Don't mind!" I shout to my team. "KEEP GOING!!”

The game is a nail-biter, with neither team giving an inch. But then, disaster strikes. Jackson tries to block Wong, but Wong is too quick. He takes the layup, pushing Jackson aside and sending himself crashing to the floor.

"FOUL!!!! One penalty point to Team Alex!!" the referee shouts. Wong leaps to his feet, pumping his fist in triumph. I grin, feeling a surge of adrenaline. This is it – our chance to tie the game.

Wong takes the shot, and it goes in with a sweet swish. The crowd goes wild, and the scoreboard reads 100-100. We're tied, with only a minute left to play.

Both teams are running on fumes, but Frankie and I are still going strong. We exchange a look, and I can sense the unspoken understanding between us. We don't want to spoil the fun – we want to see this game through to its thrilling conclusion.

The final whistle blows, and the game ends in a tie. The crowd goes wild, cheering and chanting our names.

"WHAT A TEAM FROM THE DAGGERS! THEY'RE ALL EVENLY MATCHED! LOOKS LIKE OTHER TEAMS BETTER WATCH OUT – OUR TEAM IS GOING FOR IT!!" the commentator shouts.

Team Saturn approaches us, and I exchange high-fives with Zuan. "Asshole, I thought you retired?" Zuan grins.

"Uh... well, they needed me, so I had to help them out," I reply, sheepishly.

Geof chuckles. "Cut us some slack, will ya?”

Yon smacks me on the back. "YO, ALEX! That was some intense game! Can't wait to play with you guys again!”

Frankie and Thiru introduce themselves, and I explain the connection between Yon, Zuan, and me. Frankie's eyes light up. "Maybe one of these days, we can play a friendly match? What do you think?”

Yon's face sets in a fierce grin. "That's what we're waiting for! Come to my place, and we'll play a game that'll blow your minds!”

Zuan nods. "Saturn will join in too. We need to improve our team, since half of our players have already graduated. We need to retrain some new members.”

Yon offers, "Then let's meet at my school. We have a basketball court that's perfect for a friendly match.”

Just then, Awang, the ace of Kings, approaches us. "Can I join in? I need to train Wesley on how to lead…"

Yon teases him, "Shit, you're already that good? Why do you need to train again?" Awang kicks him playfully. "Fuck you... with you around, I'm pretty sure Wesley will be useless again.”

Everyone agrees, and we set a date for a practice and friendly match with Team Saturn, Kings, and Marlins. It's going to be another epic day of basketball, and I can barely wait.

Arie arrives with Gabriel, and they suddenly approach us, their faces set with determination. Gabriel asks, his voice laced with excitement, "Hey, could I join in as well?"

Arie's eyes narrow, his gaze scanning the horizon. "You'll need all the help you can get, because there's another team watching us... and it's not just any team." He pauses, his voice dropping to a whisper. "One of them is a guy I felt awfully familiar with... from the USA.”

I follow his gaze, and my eyes widen in shock. "Seriously... Tyrone?" It's Tyrone from LA, a player I've had a lot of questions about. What is he doing here?

Tyrone towers over us, his 6'3" frame imposing, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Well, homie... what's up?" He's only a point guard, but I remember his skills on the court.

I take a step forward, my voice firm. "What the hell are you doing here?" The others look on, curious about the sudden tension.

Tyrone grins, his smile easy. "Remember what I said about getting a scholarship? Well, it seems like UMS needed a player of quality, and I got offered a full scholarship to study sports science here.”

The implications are clear: Team UMS is going all out to win. And then, a new coach steps forward, introducing himself with a charismatic smile. "I'm Edward Levy, the new coach here... and you guys are really good. This is getting exciting.”

Coach David approaches him, a wry smile on his face. "Well, well, well... looks like my old friend and rival is back, eh?" The two coaches exchange a look, their rivalry palpable.

Coach Edward gestures to his team, and our jaws drop in shock. The team is filled with ex-members of Wild Cats, players we thought were long gone. Even Gabriel looks surprised.

One of them, Godfrey, steps forward, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Damn... looks like our seniors are back, trying to take the lead again?" He turns to Gabriel. "Gab, you really need to stop dragging your team down. You barely won that game.”

Gabriel explains that Team UMS is now a real contender, and Coach Edward's eyes gleam with determination. "We're going for the gold... and we're not going to lose to some kids this time, right, boys?”

The team erupts into a fierce battle cry, their voices echoing through the air. "URAAA!!!!" It's clear that this is not the same team we met before. The stakes have been raised, and the game is on.

"Thanks, you all Daggers here.... looks like others want to get the basketball team a reputation of champions... so don't let us down..." Coach David's words hang in the air, a challenge to us all.

As Team UMS walks away, Tyrone approaches me, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Yo, homie, that Mika of yours... I'm trying my best not to tell her I'm around..." He glances around nervously, and I sense that he's not alone.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "So... who would that be, then?" I ask, my eyes scanning the crowd.

Tyrone's gaze darts to the side, and he points discreetly. My eyes follow, and I see Latifah, surrounded by our friends, with Mariam already hugging her tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Mariam suddenly kicks me, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yo, bro!!! Looks like our oldies are here!!!"

Amin rushes over, enveloping Tyrone in a warm hug. "Yo, brother!!!" The two of them exchange a hearty high-five, and I can sense the camaraderie between them.

Sylvia approaches us, introducing herself with a bright smile. Tyrone turns to me, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Homie... you're a gangsta... first Nat, then Mika... I'm pretty sure she's not going to go along with this, homie..." He chuckles, shaking his head.

I shoot him a warning glance. "Well, at least she doesn't know about this, right?" I whisper, trying to keep the conversation under wraps.

Just then, Latifah interrupts us, her voice husky and confident. The guys around us can't help but stare, their eyes glued to her stunning figure.

"Shit, she's hot as hell, man..." Frankie breathes, his eyes wide with admiration.

Latifah explains that she's also part of the cheerleader team at UMS, and I can sense the boys' attention wavering. It looks like we've got another distraction on our hands, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

Coach David's voice cuts through the air, his eyes locked on Yon. "Is it possible that Team UMS is joining as well?" The question hangs like a challenge, and Yon's eyes widen in surprise.

He takes a step back, his voice laced with drama. "Well, this is going to be big... my principal is going to have a heart attack!" Just then, an old lady behind him kicks him, her eyes flashing with amusement.

"You idiot!!! Of course, we'll welcome them!!!" she exclaims, her voice dripping with excitement. "This will be a special day, so let's make it a friendly championship! Our sponsor is eager to see teams from all around the state playing together..." The atmosphere erupts into a frenzy of excitement.

Mr. Rahman's eyes light up, and he nods in recognition. "Alex, you know her well, don't you? She's your mom's friend..." I turn to the old lady, and my eyes widen in surprise.

"Aunt Lucy?" I ask, stunned. It's been a while since I've seen her, but I remember her as Mom's old friend from the band she was in before.

Aunt Lucy grins, her eyes twinkling. "Yep, in the flesh! I love it! Okay, let me make the arrangements. Don't be tardy, got it?!" She winks, and the crowd disperses, leaving only our team behind.

The only thing I can see in their eyes is panic. Jackson's voice rises to a frantic pitch. "Oh my God! What are we doing?! We're not ready for this!!!" Mikhail looks nervous, his eyes darting back and forth.

Peter grumbles, his face twisted in frustration. "Fuck! Why did I get injured during this important time?!" The team turns to me, their eyes pleading for a solution.

I hold my head, feeling the weight of responsibility. Maybe it's time for me to lead them again. "Well, we'll do what we do best, then..." Coach David's face breaks into a smile, and he nods in approval.

"Training from hell," I declare, and the team's eyes widen in dread. Coach David chuckles, a glint in his eye. "Well, we have Mr. Marcus to help us, since you helped their team qualify for the league…"

Looks like this is going to be a fun year for me. The challenge is on, and I'm ready to take it head-on. Bring it on!