The energy in the gym was electric, the kind of buzz that only came with a high-stakes game. The stands were packed, the student section loud and rowdy. This was more than just a regular season matchupâthis was the game that would determine who advanced, with scouts watching every move.
Before warmups began, Jaxon, Ethan, and Lena made their way toward the hallway leading to the locker rooms. Madison followed, phone in hand, and the second they turned the corner, they spotted Miles leaning against the wall, arms crossed, waiting for them.
Jaxon took a moment to size him up. Miles was tall, built for speed, and carried a cocky smirk Jaxon recognized instantlyâbecause it was the same one he wore most of the time.
Miles pushed off the wall and tilted his chin up at Jaxon. "So you're the famous Walker."
Jaxon smirked. "And you're the guy who's supposed to make my life easier tonight. Let's hope you live up to the hype."
Miles let out a low chuckle. "Don't worry. My team and I have been looking forward to this all week."
Ethan crossed his arms. "You guys are really good with this?"
Miles nodded. "We don't like Ryan either. He's got a rep, and not the good kind. So if you're telling me we get to make him look bad on the court and put him in his place? That's what I call a win-win."
Lena exhaled. "Thank you. Seriously."
Miles gave her a look of understanding before glancing back at Jaxon. "Just don't screw this up. We'll do our part, but you guys need to hold up your end."
Jaxon grinned. "Oh, don't worry. Ryan won't know what hit him."
---
Back on the court, warmups had begun. The crowd was roaring, the music was pumping, and the tension between both teams was impossible to ignore. Ryan was in the middle of his team's layup line, acting like he was untouchable.
Jaxon, Ethan, and the rest of their team took the court, the rivalry thick in the air.
As the teams lined up for tip-off, Ryan sent Jaxon a smug glance. "Hope you can keep up, Walker."
Jaxon just smirked. "Hope you're ready to get humbled, Carter."
The whistle blew, the ball was tossed in the air, and just like thatâthe game was on.
From the very first possession, it was clear: North Ridge was targeting Ryan.
Every time he got the ball, Miles and his teammates doubled him, cutting off his options, forcing him into bad passes and sloppy plays. His frustration was palpable, growing with every mistake.
By the end of the first quarter, he had more turnovers than points.
The crowd had noticed. The scouts had noticed. And worst of all? Ryan knew it.
Lena watched from the stands, gripping the edge of her seat. Every time Ryan lost control of the ball, every time he bricked a shot, every time the crowd groaned at another one of his mistakes, it felt like justice.
But something told her Ryan wouldn't go down quietly.
And she was right.
Midway through the second quarter, Ryan's frustration boiled over. He slammed into Jaxon with unnecessary forceâtoo hard.
Jaxon hit the ground, hard.
Ryan stood over him, smirking. "Oops."
Jaxon gritted his teeth as he pushed himself up. "Keep it up, Porter. You're making this way too easy."
Ryan scoffed. "You think this is over?"
Jaxon smirked, brushing off his jersey. "No. But you're gonna wish it was."
Because Ryan Porter was crumbling.
And the night was just getting started.