Ex Ball

chapter 9-The Breakthrough

Chapter 9: Scrimmage Showdown

Three days had passed since the brutal 30-man game. OJ and Luca, fully recovered thanks to the league's advanced facilities, stood on the pristine court, eyeing the other six players who had made it through. This was the final trial, but unlike before, it wasn't about survival-it was about establishing rank.

The officials announced the setup: a 3-on-3 scrimmage tournament. Each team would play multiple rounds, and the results would determine placements in the league-higher performance meant better teammates, higher prestige, and a better shot at early recognition.

The players were quickly divided, and OJ ended up with two new faces on his team. Luca and King were placed on separate teams with their own random teammates. OJ glanced over to see Luca giving him a nod of camaraderie, but across the court, King's eyes were locked on him with a smug grin.

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#### The Games Begin

The scrimmage kicked off with quick, high-intensity matchups. OJ quickly adapted to his teammates, communicating with nods and gestures to coordinate their moves. Despite the stakes, OJ played hard, drawing on his drive to prove himself after everything King had put them through.

Finally, OJ's team faced Luca's. The game was intense and full of energy, with each friend trying to outplay the other. They exchanged drives, blocks, and quick shots, but OJ's team ultimately edged out with better coordination.

After the game, OJ and Luca exchanged a fist bump, silently acknowledging the challenge without a trace of bitterness.

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#### Final Face-Off: OJ vs. King

Now, it was time for OJ's team to face off against King's. From the first possession, the tension on the court was thick. King played with an aggressive, flashy style, using his height and strength to dominate his opponents. But OJ wasn't intimidated-he pushed back, standing his ground and refusing to let King throw him off.

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**Chapter 10: High-Flying Rivals**

The gym was alive with tension, every eye fixed on the court. The final scrimmage had come down to this-OJ and Luca, squaring off against King. Players lined the sidelines, their faces a mix of awe and nerves as they watched the three clash with a ferocity usually reserved for high-level tournaments.

King had never backed down from a challenge, and today was no different. His towering frame cast an imposing shadow over OJ, a stark reminder of the experience and ruthlessness King brought to the game. But OJ wasn't the same player he'd been when he first walked into these tryouts. His growth was undeniable, and his skills were sharper than ever. All he needed now was one last push.

The whistle blew, and King leaped forward, seizing the ball with brutal speed. He whipped around, driving into OJ's space, aiming to overpower him with sheer force. But OJ held his ground, meeting each of King's aggressive plays with precision.

The two went back and forth, each pass and pivot laced with a barely contained fury. Midway through the possession, King turned, firing a pass at his teammate-too hard, too fast. It struck the player square in the chest, sending him stumbling. King's frustration was visible, his desire to win blinding him to his own recklessness.

The officials glanced at each other, looking ready to call the game, but before they could, Luca stepped onto the court.

"Sub me in," Luca said, his voice steady and determined. He met OJ's eyes, giving him a quick nod. They didn't need words to understand each other; Luca was here to finish this together.