The Grove Chronicles

Chapter 56

February 21 1992 Gameday at Wake Woods High 

It was the 3rd quarter, Ezail was sweating and panting zig zagging, through the defense, trying to bat an eyelash on him.  He drove the lane, going up for a one hand leaning slam. Bam! Right on the defender, putting him on a poster. 

" Wasup boy?!" " Too weak for Bubba C!" Ezail bragged. " Come on, get back y'all!" yelled coach Shakur.   The point guard for Wake Woods tried to blow past Ezail up the court but got the ball stolen.  Ezail raced down the court, launching inside the free throw line, throwing down a tomahawk slam. 

The crowd including the Wakes Woods fans ooooed in amazement.  

"Jeez Louise!" shouted Wake Woods coach in frustration. " Darren don't give him a reason to score easy points!"  The Bruins were down 55-59, trying to make a 16 point comeback. Wake Woods. couldn't buy a basket, so Bethel took advantage. 

By the end of the 3rd quarter Bethel were up 63-59. " Alright boys keep it up!" coach Shakur beamed. Scottie, keep pounding them inside, they can't keep up with your height." 

" Alright Bruins on 3, 1-2-3 Bruins!" 

Ezail dribbled the ball up court, to start the 4th quarter. He quickly passed it to a open teammate who hoisted up a 3 but bricked it. Ezail quickly jumped for the rebound. As he went up for the put back, a forearm struck across his face.  

Ezail fell to the floor holding his right eye. " Flagrant fuckin foul!' screamed Kyle. " Call a flagrant ref!" A Wake Wood player laughed. " It's bully  ball baby!" " If y'all Bethel bitches can't handle it, take a walk!" " Shut up dude!" shouted Scottie the center. " Kiss an asshole!" 

Next thing you know, words were exchanged between both teams almost leading to a melee. However refs broke it up and the coaches tried to calm things down also. Ezail got up  quickly, not fazed by the contact. " You alright Bub, shake it off baby!" a fan yelled out. 

Ezail knocked down the two free throws.  Wake Woods made a quick run tying  the game up. Later, Ezail once again drove the lane, but got walloped by the defense. However the ref held the whistle. 

" Come on ref!" bellowed Coach. " That's right put him on his scrawny ass!' laughed Wake Woods coach. 

Ezail knew there wasnt gonna be any easy calls, so he had to switch up his approach. When the Bruins inbounded the ball, Ezail raced down the court full speed, pulling up for an NBA range 3 pointer..... Swish! 

Wake Woods still put points on the board, however the gym were about to witness the ultimate Ezail Harris show.  

He raised up for pull up mid range jumpers, tough finger rolls in traffic and fast break opportunities.  

However his shooting became torrid. Ezail used his long arms to shoot over defenders with ease. Time after time, 3's were being drained.  Ezail was so dominant, Wake Woods were scared to guard him. 

Finally, with the score being tied 90-90 with 30 seconds left in the 4th, Ezail dribbled slowly milking the clock. He scanned the the basket ,making sure he locked in. He made a quick move while driving towards the lane, but pulled up for a shot while fading away.......Swish!

The Wake Woods offense never executed another score , as Bethel eked out a 92-90 win. The big story was Ezail making a district record 10 threes, 10 steals and 65 points...... breaking his uncle Maynards record of 62. 

After the game, his teammates mobbed him, happy for the feat and win. 

Commentator Chip Boner scurried through the team of boys, looking for an interview. 
" Ok.... I'm trying to get a word in here!" laughed Chip. " " Finally I have Bubbachuck with me here." " Bubba, you put on a performance for the ages, what ignited you to be in the zone like that?" 

" I just switched up my game plan Chip...."  " They was roughin me up a little bit, But I told myself to stay focused to win." 

" You fellas are  still undefeated, but from a personal stand point, the district record of steals in a game and points in a game, have been broken by you with 10 steals and 65 points!" 

" Yea I mean, ion really care bout personal stats or nothin like that, as long us Bruins win, I'm satisfied yo."   " Okay well congrats kid, and I'm proud."  " Over here I have Mr. Kyle Ketchmore...." " Kyle you guys fought back after being down 16, your defense is really paying off huh?" " Oh yes sir, coach has been on me lately, so my ambition is at an al time high..." " Were trying to win a title in basketball, and I think we can bring it home this year." 

" Ok, well congrats kid, and good luck!" " Let's go baby!" Kyle screamed in the camera. 

Selena and Traci sat on Selena's bed gossiping and chirping. The two had such big mouths, there was always a competition, on who could out talk each other. " Okay Sel tell me this....." " If that cutie was flirtin wit chu, why he aint approach?"  " Chica I don't know.' " I think most men get intimidated by me." Traci then laughed. " Girl ain't nobody scared of no Christian woman." 

" I'm serious!" Selena retorted back. " I think they're afraid of my intelligence or something." " I can't quite pin point it."  " Well, I know men aint always  open to what they want" " Sometimes you gotta give it time and then, have em eat out ya hands. "Traci advised. 

" I guess so yo." " Look I got to use the bathroom right quick. Selena said hoping off the bed, making a beeline to the bathroom.  Traci quickly picked up the phone on the night stand, dialing a number.  " Hey Coya, girl where you been at?" " Anyway, you seen Chuck?" " Oh really..." " Shit.." ' By summer, that boy is gonna be licking me up and down.." 

" I can't hide my feelings for him anymore girl." " Them juicy lips, need to be sucked..." " My-My aint made for all that." 

Selena had an ear out the door before coming back to the room. " What the...... she can't be saying what I think she's saying." Selena thought.  

"  Well, I'm at my bitch Selena house, Ima holler at you girl ok?" " Aight."  Selena then walked quickly out the bathroom, to subtly confront Traci. " So, who were you talking to on the phone with, Trace? 

Traci's facial expression froze. " Oh.. err... my old home girl from elementary school, that's all." " 

"Oh.." Selena said reluctantly. " Why wasup?'  Traci wondered. " Oh nothing, I thought I knew all your other friends."  

" I thought I knew you too..." " Backstabbing bitch..." " Wait until I tell Esmyra...."