Chapter 20: The Preseason Showdown! When Sweat Meets Destiny! Part 2 : Battle Royale

The battle begin, with Wesley's towering presence looming over Frankie like a giant. But Frankie wasn't intimidated – he was ready to take on the challenge. Both giants stood in the center, their eyes locked in a fierce stare.

The tip-off begin, and Wesley's strength seemed to overpower Frankie. Wesley won the tip and passed the ball to Awang, who passed it to his shooting guard. I smirked at Awang, "Sorry, bro... looks like I'm enjoying this... I'm going to savor it..." Awang seemed prepared for my intensity.

In a flash, I stole the ball from the shooting guard and passed it to Devinson. He set the tone, and the ball flowed to Adam, who sank a three-pointer with ease. "3-0! Daggers' ball in!" The crowd erupted, and I saw my parents cheering, their faces filled with pride.

I gave Adam a high-five. "See, told ya you're good at it!" Adam beamed with confidence. "Oooooo!!!!"

But Kings wasn't about to back down. Wesley responded with a thunderous dunk, beating Frankie with ease. "3-2! Kings' ball!" The crowd went wild, cheering for both teams.

Devinson passed the ball to me, and I found myself surrounded by Awang, Wesley, and their shooting guard. I couldn't help but smile as I started dribbling, breaking through their defense with ease. I spotted Frankie running towards the basket and took the shot like a rocket, surprising Awang and Wesley.

The ball found Frankie, and he alley-ooped it, slamming it home with a loud "BOOM!!!!!!" The crowd erupted in cheers.

As the dust settled, Mariam and the others suddenly transformed into cheerleaders, donning their uniforms. Slyvia joined in, her voice ringing out above the din. "SLAM DUNK!!!!!!! THAT IS SOMETHING!!!!" The energy was electric, and even the opposing team seemed distracted by the cheers.

The court erupted in a frenzy of cheers as Mariam, Priscilla, Slyvia, Hana, and even Siti (who I still couldn't believe was rocking a cheerleader outfit under her hijab) joined the chant. "GO!!!!! DAGGERS!!!!!!" Sadie was there too, and at least 10 other girls were cheering us on with all their might.

The score was 5:2 in our favor, but Kings was starting to gain momentum. Wesley was playing a more cooperative game than last year, working seamlessly with Awang. Awang barked out a command, "Jan!!! Take the shot!!!" and the ball sailed through the hoop with ease.

The scoreboard read 5:4, with Kings in possession. This game was far from a cakewalk – it was intense! As we hit the end of the first quarter, the score was neck and neck at 25:25.

But what the crowd didn't know was that I had been setting up my teammates for scores, letting them take the shots while I conserved my energy.

Now it was my turn to shine. Devinson spotted me and passed the ball my way, and I positioned myself in a spot where the defense least expected.

I took the shot, feeling a bit guilty for stealing Hana's thunder.

The ball flew through the air, taking an impossible angle, and dropped into the net – a three-pointer! "28:25!!! Daggers' ball!!!" The commentator's voice boomed, "Now that's what we want to see from our ACE!!!!!"

The crowd went wild, and I couldn't help but grin – it was time to take the game to the next level!

The intensity was palpable as Awang grinned at me, "Now that's gonna make Gabriel sweat bullets!" We fist-bumped, our competitive spirits ignited despite being on opposite teams. After all, a friendly match was the perfect chance to push each other to new heights.

Devinson unleashed his lightning-fast dribbling skills, passing the ball to James, who took a shot that rimmed out. I yelled, "Rebound!!!" James, Frankie, and Wesley clashed in a fierce battle for the rebound, but Wesley's strength proved too much. However, he made a crucial mistake – passing instead of dunking. I seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and sinking a shot out.

"30:25!!! Daggers' ball!!!!" The crowd went wild, and the commentator shouted, "What a crazy play from the Daggers! That quick counter-attack was insane!!”

Awang responded with a clever move, using Wesley as a wall to block the defense. Awang took the shot, and it swished through the net for a three-pointer. "30:28!! Kings' ball!!!" The game was neck and neck, with both teams fighting for dominance.

As we hit halftime, the score was tied at 88:88. Awang and Wesley were still going strong, while their teammates showed signs of fatigue. Our team, however, was struggling to keep up – Adam was gasping for air. I made some strategic substitutions, "Adam, switch with Wong and James switch with Thiru... Frankie, switch with Jackson." Devinson is still crucial to our team's momentum, so I decided to keep him in. I changed my role to shooting guard, with Jackson and Wong handling the point, and Thiru taking over Frankie's position.

The second half was about to begin, and we were ready to give it our all.

The air was electric with anticipation as Jackson turned to me, his voice laced with awe. "Dude, this competition is on a whole different level. It's like they're not even the same team as last year," he said, his eyes scanning the court with a mix of excitement and nerves. I grinned, feeling the competitive fire ignite within me. "Yeah, but that's what makes it more fun for me. The stronger the opponent, the better the game.”

Just then, Thiru interrupted us, his voice low and mischievous. "Hey, look who's crashing the party uninvited..." He nodded towards the team from SMK Bahang, and my eyes landed on a familiar figure. My heart skipped a beat as I realized who it was – Albert, Sadie's older brother.

Devinson's eyes widened in surprise. "That's... Albert!! Sadie's big brother!!?" He looked closer, and I could see the gears turning in his head. "Wait, isn't he supposed to be working or something? He looks older than I expected.”

I chuckled, intrigued by the situation. "Yeah, maybe he's taking a break from saving the world to play some basketball.”

Sadie, who was standing nearby, spotted her brother and her face turned bright red with anger. "Dumb big brother!!!! What are you doing here!!!!?" she shouted, her voice echoing through the court. Albert ignored her, his focus solely on the game.

But what really caught my attention was the group of nurses gathered behind him, cheering him on with ridiculous enthusiasm. "Albert!!!! You looked cute!!!" one of them squealed, her voice making me cringe. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what kind of fanbase he had. "Jeez, he must be really good..." I muttered, amused by the scene.

The drama was unfolding before our eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was going to be an interesting game.

The tension is building as Thiru whispers to us, "That Albert just knows we're talking about him... I know him, he's the star player of SMK Bahang. I think he's the center." Albert's towering presence is unmistakable, and I spot Amber and a group of nurses cheering him on. What's going on here?

But before I can ponder further, Devinson sprints towards the podium, and Sadie charges after him, engaged in a heated sibling argument. It's a bit of a comical scene, with Amber laughing and cheering Devinson on. Sadie gives Devinson a kiss on the cheek, making the other boys green with envy. Devinson returns, looking flustered. "Uh, sorry captain... just that I'm always worried about Sadie having a fight with them.”

I smile reassuringly. "It's all good, just focus on the game, okay?" Devinson nods, still looking a bit frazzled.

Coach David approaches us, his voice firm. "Alright everyone, let's focus on the game. SMK Bahang is here, and we need to take them down." But just as we're about to start, Albert suddenly joins the Kings team, changing into their jersey. I grin with excitement. "Well, this is getting good…"

Frankie and the coach look surprised, but I wave them off. "It's all good, leave them. The more the merrier..." Tyrone approaches me, and we fist-bump. "Good luck, homie. This isn't exactly what I had in mind, but at least it's a basketball career for me…"

I smile, intrigued by his story. "Yeah, we'll make it count." The second game is about to begin, and I give my team a pep talk. "Alright, Jackson, your focus is on the basket. Don't let Wesley distract you. Getting the scoresheet is what matters most.”

Jackson nods, determination in his eyes. "Got it, captain." I turn to Wong. "Just like in the training game, got it?" Wong fist-pumps, confidence radiating from him. "Got it, captain!!"

As we take to the court, I signal to my team. "I'll be the bait, making sure they target me. Once they take the bait, let loose and make the gap until they can't reach it. Got it?" Everyone nods, their eyes locked on me.

The game begins, and I do something unexpected – I face off against Wesley in the starting jump. My team nods at me, and I jump higher than Wesley, passing the ball to Devinson. "Fast break!!!" I shout, and we charge towards the basket, leaving Awang in the dust. Devinson dribbles and passes to me, and I dunk it with ease.

The crowd goes wild, and the scoreboard reads 90:88 in our favor. "Whoa!!! What happened there? Even I had no time to talk about it!!" Albert and his team look impressed, but I notice one of them eyeing us with hostility. Albert seems to sense it too, and he warns him not to do anything stupid.

The game is heating up, and we continue to exchange blows. Awang changes their strategy, looking for options, but Devinson sees through it and signals for me to take the shot. I sink a three-pointer, and the crowd erupts. "93:88!!! Daggers' ball!!”

The game is intense, with both teams fighting for every point. We push the score to 135:120, but I know it's a small margin. When Devinson gets tired, I ask him to switch with Subramaniam and take the point guard position. That's when the Kings' momentum suddenly shifts.

Awang sees a big hole in our team and starts the attack with Wesley at the front. Subramaniam is being overpowered, and the points start to look like this on the billboard – 139:138, really close by one point. The game is far from over.

The intensity of the game is palpable as Awang passes the ball to Wesley, who does the unexpected – a fakey towards us, followed by a pass back to Awang. Awang grins, "Now that's being a team player!!" I chuckle, impressed by their teamwork.

The shot goes in, and the scoreboard reads 139:140 in favor of the Kings. The crowd erupts, "What a turnover! This is going to be an intense game!!!! The third game is much more interesting than the other two... what an entertainment today!!”

I look around, smiling. This is what I've been waiting for – a game that's more than just a simple match. We're playing with such intensity that it's hard to believe this isn't even the finals.

As we enter the final quarter, everyone's limits are being pushed to the extreme. We're playing like there's no tomorrow.

During the last timeout, I make some strategic substitutions. Devinson is fit enough to play, so I choose him as the point guard, with Frankie at center, Long Man as forward, Fredickson as power forward, and myself as shooting guard.

The juniors are out of breath but manageable. Meanwhile, Wesley and Awang seem almost untouched, like they're saving their energy for the final blow.

The game resumes with the score at 145:146, Kings leading. Awang approaches me with a grin. "Now this is a game that I look forward to…"

I smile back, "Yeah, me too... this is fun..." We fist-bump, and head back to our teams, ready to give it our all.

The crowd is on the edge of their seats, sensing that the outcome of the game is far from decided. The tension is building, and we're about to find out who'll emerge victorious.

.

The game is intense as Wesley starts off by passing to his forward, while he stands like a towering wall behind them. But we all know what I'm capable of, even with a giant like him on the court.

Devinson passes the ball to me, and I'm in the zone. Awang shouts, "Stop him!!!" But I'm unstoppable, taking the shot from downtown like a rocket. It goes in, and the scoreboard reads 148:146 in favor of the Daggers.

The hall erupts in cheering, with the crowd shaking and screaming. The energy is electric.

The game continues with an exchange of scores, but one thing's for sure – this is a local record. The match is already at 168:165, a score that's never been seen before in a game.

With only a minute left, Awang manages to take a three-pointer, and it goes in. The crowd goes wild, cheering even louder than before. The score is now 168:168, a deadlocked game.

The tension is palpable as the game enters its final seconds. Kings is preventing us from moving, but Devinson passes the ball to me. I see a hole in the wall and weave through, sensing my surroundings slowing down. I dribble past most of them, with Awang hot on my heels.

As I jump towards the basket, Wesley and two other players, including Awang, are right in front of me. There's no room to pass, but I spot a tiny hole and nudge the ball through. It goes in, and the scoreboard reads 170:168 in favor of the Daggers.

The crowd goes wild, and Awang sprints down the court, but I'm not giving them a chance. The clock is ticking down – 10, 9, 8... Awang makes a split decision and jumps, taking the shot. I jump up and try to push the ball with my finger, but it's too late.

The ball hits the ring and misses. The whistle blows, and the game is over. "Game set!!!! Daggers!!! Wins!!!!”

Everyone jumps up, and Awang approaches me, grinning. "Damn man, that was intense!!" We hug each other like brothers. "You're crazy... that's some speed you have…"

"With Yon starting it, I better get my pace improved, eh? It's your win..." The crowd's cheering ends the first session of the game, and we'll have a short break before the next match.

As we sit down, Coach David praises us, "Impressive game, good job everyone." Devinson is resting, and the juniors look at him in awe. "You super awesome senior, you could handle against them!!”

Devinson smiles, "Yeah, you all did as well!!" Sadie hugs him from behind, leaving an imposing aura among the senior members. Peter starts to get jealous, biting his thumb and muttering, "That kid... he got a hot babe, but we're all just single guys here, got it…"

Devinson tries to protest, "Uh, Sadie... I'm not going to survive like this if you hug me like that!!" But she just kisses him on the cheek and claims, "He is my man!! No one else but me is... he is mine for the taking..." The seniors stare, shocked by her bold declaration.

Frankie suddenly chokes Devinson, "Death to couples!!!!!!" Devinson taps out, "Give, give!!" The scene ends with laughter and teasing among the team members.

Suddenly, Slyvia approaches me, and I know I'm in for some teasing. She hands me a water bottle with an angelic smile, wearing a pair of shorts and a tight t-shirt that accentuates her curves. The other boys look at me with envy, and Frankie whispers, "Captain, you know there are a lot of single guys here..." Wesley starts crying, and Awang shouts, "Hey, stop you wives here!!! Will ya!!! We're going to be flooded by guys crying, got it!!!" But he's no different from us, with a bunch of girls gathering around him.

Meanwhile, Saturn gives us an imposing look, muttering, "Those bastards..." Yon laughs, "You guys are weak!!! Seeing babes, I see that every day!!!" Arie chimes in with a joke, "Yeah, like I didn't know about the porn star poster you kept..." Yon gives him the silent finger, and his teammates start beating him down, shouting, "Death to assholes!!!!”

At least the mood has lightened up. Slyvia looks at me and says, "Mother and dad said to you, good luck..." Her beauty and sexiness give me goosebumps. Priscilla approaches me, claiming, "Blimey!! That is my boyfriend here!!" Mariam and Amin come down to meet me, asking, "That was intense, that's not even the semi-finals. Are you guys good? Still got some steam left?”

I glance at my team, and they seem okay, stretching to keep themselves fit. We're ready for the next challenge.

while Slyvia sticking next me, I know I'm about to become the center of attention. Coach David interrupts, "Well, at least we have enough rest before the next game. Meet back 20 minutes before the game, got it?" We nod, and I hang out with my family. My dad pats me on the back, "Good job, son..." Uncle Usman and Uncle Habeeb are here too, and it looks like the whole family has turned up.

For now, let's just enjoy this school moment and forget about the drama. Devinson and Sadie approach me, introducing Albert to us. "This is Albert..." Sadie says, and Albert greets me with a casual "Yo..." I nod back, intrigued.

"I never knew you were into basketball," I say, and Albert shrugs. "School is boring, and I'm transferring soon to a technical school in mechanics. I want to enjoy my time with the team here." It seems like he's not sticking around for long.

Amber joins our conversation, smiling at me. "Hey kid, never knew you were the star player of the team here?" I chuckle, "Uh, I think you've got it wrong..." But she insists, "Nope..." with a sly grin.

The scene is filled with laughter and chatter, a welcome break from the intensity of the game. Little do we know, the real challenge is yet to come.