Love & Basketball

01 | "Meet The Stevens"

Laylani Stevens
(in multimedia)

'There is no doubt in my mind that Laylani Stevens is going to win this year's high school girl's basketball MVP award at the ESPY's'

I watched with excitement as the reporters on ESPN were on the topic of my name. Sure, I was used to hearing my name on tv a bundle of times; but to actually hear real live basketball reporters say that I am going to win this award put butterflies in my stomach.

"Oh of course she is." Doris Burke agreed. "There is no competition for her. She is the best in the girl's high school league. This 17 year old girl is literally dishing and serving out 3's like it's nothing. And don't even get me started on her defense."

"Bottom line. Best female point guard - not only in her hometown; Miami, Florida. In the nation."

I laid back on my plush white living room couch and sighed while thinking, hardwork does pay off. Since I was born I knew exactly what I wanted to do; play basketball. I wasn't like most girls who wanted to cheer or join the school choir. The only thing that could make me truly happy was a basketball in my hand. When I touched a basketball it felt as if I was transported to some tropical island and all my problems were lifted off my shoulders. My dad worked with me day and night to perfect every little skill; from shooting to passing to dribbling. And before you knew it, boom, I became the best girl's point guard on high school level. Not bragging at all; I just know my talents and all I have accomplished. Now here I am at 17, ending my junior year and moving onto senior year; with high honors and being captain 3 years in a row of my varsity girl's basketball team. Hell, I'm so good the boy's coach wanted me to play on his team.

My thoughts were then interrupted by one name the reporters brought up.

"Lamelo Ball."

Just the thought of his name made me gag. Don't get me wrong; the kids good, but not as good as me. I was tired of the whole world comparing us to each other, we're  just two kids who love to ball and are extremely good at it.

"This kid is definetly going places. I mean his oldest brother Lonzo just got drafted to the Lakers. LiAngelo is one of the best shooting guards UCLA has ever seen. And now Lamelo Ball is only at the age of 17 and he's already committed to UCLA for when he graduates!" Even though I wasn't too fond of Lamelo I still wanted to listen to what the reporters had to say. There word was the truth at the end of the day since they knew best.

"He's definitely taking home the boy's high school MVP award." The rest of the reporters agreed and nodded their heads in unison.

And of course the dreadful topic was brought up. "So what do you guys think of Laylani Stevens and Lamelo Ball?"

They went around the table, each reporter saying the exact thing; that Lamelo & I were alike in many ways, on and off the court. Here we go again with the comparing. "Oh my god enough with comparing me to this kid!" I said in frustration as I forcefully pushed the power off button to the flat screen tv. In walked my dad with a concerned look on his face and a bowl of green grapes in one hand.

He plopped down on the couch next to me. "What's wrong kiddo?" I took a grape off it's stem and popped it into my mouth. "I'm just so tired of everyone comparing me to Ball. Sure, we're both very good basketball players. But that doesn't mean we're exactly alike. They compare us on everything! From shooting and passing, to what we wear on game days!"

"Kiddo. Look, don't stress. It's okay.... because at the end of the day everyone knows Melo ain't got nothin' on my babygirl." My dad said with a grin while holding his hand up for a highfive.

I accepted it with a grin back as we laughed and talked about the draft and upcoming plans for the Summer. School just ended three days ago and I couldn't be happier. No more annoying teachers, stressful nights of studying, or students who got on my nerves. Junior year was tough for me since that depended heavily on college decisions. I had taken the SAT once and was perfectly happy with my score: a 1390. Yes, I've got brains too. My only plans for the summer were to chill with friends, travel, party, and play for AAU summer season. And of course prep for my last and final senior season. My goal was to lead my team to its fourth straight championship title in a row.

My mom walked into the living room, home early from her strenuous job as a lawyer. "Hi hunny." She said, giving my dad a quick peck on the cheek. She walked over to me, "Hello my Lani." She said while engulfing me in a huge hug. "Where's the rest of your siblings?"

Growing up in the Stevens household was a huge chaotic mess every day. Simply because my siblings and I were always so hectic with our schedules; I was not the only athletic golden child. My oldest brother, Rashaad, is 18 and our football star. He just finished up his last year of high school and was off to Florida State University on a full ride football scholarship; then hopefully the NFL draft. However, for right now he's taking the summer off and living at home with us until it's time to leave for college.

Next there's Mekai. He's the baseball star of the family and 16 years old, going on 17 next month. By now he's gotten atleast 6 offers from colleges; and he still needs to move onto his junior year after summer's over!

Moving onto the youngest sibling; my adorable sister Jordan. She's 8 and an expert in cheer. She's on a competitive cheer team called "Top Gun". They just won Nationals in Disney last summer and will be returning again this summer. Jordan was the complete opposite of me. I was the tomboy and she was the girly girl. However, in the end she always stuck right by my side like white on rice.

"Rashaad's out with his girlfriend, Mekai is with his friends at the movies, and Jordan is in her room doing god knows what. " I told my mom as she laughed.

She set her purse down and took a seat on the other side of me. "Well I have some very good news for you young lady."

I turned to her in rush of excitement. "What is it?!"

"Someone may or may not be going to California in a few days for the ESPY's." She smirked.

I screamed with excitement before jumping up and down on my couch; my parents watching me with happiness. I knew I was nominated for the award but I did not think I would actually be there live in person.

"Ok calm down. Calm down. There's more." My mom said as I landed down on the couch. "You have an interview tomorrow with ESPN, make sure you're up and ready by 10 AM and make sure to wear some type of school basketball apparel to rep Miami High." My mom was the best mom-ager anyone could have. She managed juggling my crazy schedule, my siblings' schedule's, and her own job all in one; with help from my dad, of course. But she is truly the definition of a super mom.

I checked my gold iPhone 11 plus which read 9:46 PM. "Well I'm gonna get an early night's rest so I'll be ready for tomorrow!"

Before dozing off I quickly texted my best friend of 5 years, Chyna, telling her the big news and asking if she wanted to join the California trip. She was literally my right-hand, of course I was gonna take her. She was with me from the very start; even my days of mini league basketball when the hoop towered over all the kids three foot high bodies.

What a way to start off the summer. Go to California, attend the ESPY's, eat some good food, and meet some cute boys. The only thing I wasn't looking forward to seeing in California; ...Lamelo Ball.

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sorry if it's a rough start, bear with me. you can comment things you wanna see in this story; I take lots of advice & tips!