Rivals : Nothing But Net

Chapter 4

A/N: this one's a little longer so sorry to those who don't like long chapters

 "Is he trying to kill us?" panted Alejandro, who was slumped on the bleachers, spraying himself with water. The basketball team had just finished a series of strenuous drills, lead by Coach L, to see if they had the endurance necessary for a high-stakes game.

"If you don't want that position, you can just leave it for me to grab..." taunted Dev, evoking an audible smack on the shoulder from the other sweaty boy. Isaiah was just as tired as Alejandro, maybe even more, but he had to prove to Coach Lederman that he was able to handle the heat. Isaiah needed to secure that position for the game, so that he would have a fighting chance at a scholarship for one of his dream basketball universities. His mother worked 2 jobs, and had to pay for Maria's college tuition, which was a hefty sum that drained more than 30% of her salary and savings. Where the family was financially, she wouldn't be able to support his dreams fully unless he completely lifted the expensive weight of university off her shoulders.

1 1/ 2 hours later, practice was finished. As Coach L was about to walk out of the gym, Isaiah walked up to him, stopping him in his tracks.

"Coach L, um, I have a question." he asked. "Is there any way that I can do any practice at home to boost my skills in basketball?" Coach L looked surprised for a few seconds, then answered.

"Yes, definitely! I have many practice videos on my website, 'Learn With Lederman. Honestly, I'm surprised you're willing to do so much for the game position. Most boys that I've given opportunities like this to were excited at the prospect of the end game, but weren't willing to put in the hard work and dedication. Good work!" exclaimed Coach. Isaiah burst with pride, but kept it on the inside.

"Thank you, Coach Lederman." he said, trying to sound as serious as possible. Coach smiled warmly at the boy, waving to him as he left the building. Isaiah grinned to himself, feeling confident about his chances. Maybe this time, I'll finally make a name for myself.

Aadit was not used to working this hard during practice. He felt as if he was going to pass out at any given moment, and was grateful when Coach L finally called it a day. As he rested on the bleachers, he noticed that Isaiah was talking to the guest coach. He couldn't make out what was being said, but seeing Coach L's smiling face, it was clear that Isaiah had said something to appease or kiss up to the coach. He rolled his eyes, reluctantly prying himself off the bench, and stumbled out of the door. He heard voices coming from the gym office nearby, and he could tell that they were those of Coach L and Coach Kosmack. Intrigued, Aadit silently walked up to the large oak door, and pressed his ear against the cool wood.

"I'm telling you, Bryan! This kid has determination, talent, and his game IQ is clearly shining through his plays!" he heard Coach Lederman exclaim excitedly. Who could he be talking about?

"I know you're excited about Isaiah's prospects, but you've only just got here! Every other team player has so much to offer the game! Don't make any hasty decisions before the 4 months are over.." Aadit was surprised that Isaiah's name was the one on Coach L's mind. It wasn't that he was jealous(he did feel a tiny pang), but he had thought that Alexander would make more of a splash, being a new student who was immediately accepted into the team without any extensive tryouts. He was probably just biassed, though. Before he could hear any more information, he heard the turning of the knob behind the door, and swiftly ran to a nearby corridor, hiding himself. As he watched the two teachers walk out of the office, he could hear some more mumbling coming from the adults, but didn't want to risk being noticed eavesdropping.

Lying in bed that night, Aadit replayed the day in his head. Isaiah had made his mark on Coach L, and was clearly in the running for a player on the team. Maybe, just maybe, the two could join forces. They would work together to secure the two spots on the team, and show Coach Kosmack that they could work together, improving his view of their behaviour around each other. The idea was stuck in his head, and it remained there until he fell asleep.