Crush - Paige Bueckers

17 - Seven Minutes

Paige

Sophomore Year of High School

*TW: SA*

Today is the day of the Overtime event I've been eagerly anticipating for months. The thought of being recognized as one of the top players in my class and being invited to such a prestigious event is still surreal to me. I'm still getting used to the idea of being one of the best and attending exclusive tournaments, but the thrill outweighs any lingering nerves.

This tournament is a big deal. Both boys and girls are here, each a top recruit in their respective classes. Being surrounded by such high-caliber athletes is both exhilarating and intimidating. I can't wait to meet new people who share the same intense passion for basketball that I do.

The tournament is taking place in Atlanta, marking one of my first travel tournaments. As soon as I step off the plane, the city's vibrant energy envelops me. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation. When I arrive at the hotel, I'm impressed by the setup: Overtime has arranged a luxurious room for me and all the other players. The entire floor is ours, transforming it into a lively, impromptu dormitory where we can unwind, bond, and prepare for the games ahead.

Once I've settled in, I find myself chatting with Cameron Brink and Caitlin Clark, both teammates from the USA Basketball Team. We're excited about the tournament, but with the games starting tomorrow, we have some downtime. It's nice to relax and enjoy each other's company before the competition kicks off.

After about thirty minutes of chatting and laughing in the hallway, someone shouts from a nearby room, "Hey y'all, want to come play a game in my room? Maybe 7 minutes in heaven?" The suggestion is met with a mix of laughter and enthusiastic agreement. Though I'm not usually keen on games like this—especially with people I don't know well—I find myself swept up in the group's excitement and decide to join in.

We all crowd into the hotel room, the space quickly becoming cramped with the thirty of us squeezed inside. I find a spot next to Cam and Caitlin, seeking comfort in their familiar presence. Jalen Green, the #2 recruit, takes charge, producing a bottle for our game.

"I'll go first!" Cam declares, her enthusiasm infectious. She spins the bottle with force, the glass whirling around before it slows down and finally points directly at Jalen Suggs, a friend of mine from Minnesota.

"OOOH!" The room erupts in teasing cheers as Jalen and Cam head toward the bathroom. The closet is too small for two people, so the bathroom becomes the chosen spot for their turn.

The timer starts, and the room falls into an expectant silence, everyone listening for any sounds from behind the closed bathroom door. Moments later, Cam's voice breaks the quiet. "Oh my god! Everyone, talk again! This is so weird!"

Laughter bubbles up from the group as the tension dissipates. I exchange a glance with Caitlin, both of us amused yet slightly apprehensive. The game proceeds, each spin of the bottle bringing someone new to the bathroom until it lands on me. The guy who spun it is Leo Plaza.

A wave of anxiety washes over me as I realize I'm next. I glance over at Leo, the tall guy sitting beside Cam, who I barely know. His confident grin unsettles me.

"Ayeee, my bro Leo lucked out tonight," Jalen Green teases, giving Leo a playful nudge. The room's laughter fades as Leo rises, his gaze locked on me. He extends a hand, helping me up.

I take his hand reluctantly, my nerves tightening as we walk toward the bathroom. Leo closes the door behind us with a definitive click, the sound echoing in the small space. I sit on the edge of the bathtub, trying to steady my breathing.