Inspiration Song: Make Me Proud by Drake
(Kate said if she could have a walkout song, this is what she would pick. So, I'm here to honor it. Plus, it's a pretty good song.)
June 9th (Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks [in LA])
I don't know what it was about today, but I woke up in a great mood. I felt ready to go, buzzing with energy. Shoot around went fantastic. I sank almost all of my shots, and my defense was looking pretty solid too. A'ja had even joked that I was "doing too much." I wasn't sure if it was just how well things seemed to be going in all areas of my life, but I felt like I was on cloud nine.
As we all gathered on the court for our wrap up and to announce starters for the night, Becky looked a little more stressed than usual. She cleared her throat before saying, "As you are all aware, Jackie is not feeling well today. I sent her home. So, she will not be playing in tonight's game."
There was silence as we all took this information in. Jackie, while quiet, was crucial to the chemistry of this team and her basketball IQ was through the roof. We'd definitely be missing our "Silent Assassin."
"That being said," Becky continued, "I spent a good amount of time contemplating the best lineup to give us success tonight. I wanted to put together a starting five that has undeniable chemistry together, one in which everyone knows the others' moves seamlessly. We need a strong team out there to combat the likes of Brink, Nurse, and Hamby. Look for Rickea Jackson to be a force coming off the bench as well."
Her eyes scanned all of us. We held our breaths just waiting for the announcement. "We're going to need to bring our shooters tonight because Brink is lethal with her blocks. Drive to the hoop when she's not in, but don't be afraid to shoot outside the paint when she is playing. We've got plenty of mid-range and three-point shot makers and we need to utilize them."
I could see Kelsey and A'ja nod, taking in the information.
"Your starting five tonight will be: Kelsey Plum, Alysha Clark, Kiah Stokes, A'ja Wilson, and Kate "Money" Martin...Time to show 'em what you're made of, Rook."
I felt Megan clap me on the back and heard a few whoops from the team. Holy shit; I was getting my first start in the W. I hadn't even dreamed of starting a game this year. I was only our 6th woman recently due to all our injuries. While I felt I had been playing pretty consistently, I never thought I'd be considered to start. I couldn't believe it.
"Get locked in, ladies. The Sparks are nothing to snuff at this year, despite what their record may show."
She threw her hand up in the middle and we all followed suit. "All in on three. 1,2,3!"
"All in," we chanted.
"Let's get it tonight, ladies," A'ja hyped us up, shaking my shoulders.
"Money, Money," Kelsey cheered. I felt a flush of embarrassment. They were going to make this a big deal. We started walking towards the locker room.
"You guys are going to make me more nervous," I laughed.
"Nah, you got this, kid," Kelsey encouraged me.
"Becky picked you for a reason," A'ja added.
"Look at my little baby growing up," Alysha chimed in.
"Thanks mom," I nudged her shoulder.
"Pick a generation," Alysha said as she nudged my shoulder back.
"Okay, grandma," I answered back, automatically, sprinting for a few strides to create some separation between Alysha and myself.
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Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin
Romance"You're not slick, Martin. I hope you're much smoother on the court," she chuckled. "Not really," I admitted with a smile. "This isn't just the alcohol talking right now, is it? Cause if that's the case, I'd rather we not," she admitted. "I know I...
