Airball

Chapter 18 - I Become A Top Scorer

January 9, 2020.

I walked out of the locker room dressed for the game. I was making my way over to the court to practice a little before the game started when Coach Hendrix motioned me over.

"Alright Blake," Hendrix said. "I want you to look out into the stands for me. What do you see?"

"Um... people," I said, watching the full audience waiting for the game to start.

"Indeed," agreed the coach. "A lot of people. More than we've ever had show up for a JV game this year. Do you know why they're here?"

I shrugged. "Mater Academy Charter has a lot of fans?"

"No," smirked Hendrix. "They're here because of you. They saw that YouTube video of you putting up some points and they want to see you do it again in real time. You're starting for the first time, so don't let them down, don't let me down, and don't let your teammates down."

"So, what you're trying to say is 'no pressure', right Coach?"

The coach laughed. "Sorry, but being a starter is a lot of pressure. You have to start the game off good. I'm not too worried, since I have on record here that you started in every single game last year. Don't get too comfortable, though. As I'm sure you've noticed, this isn't middle school anymore, and you have to work to keep your spot."

I nodded at the coach to show him that I understood.

"Okay. Starting with you is Jackson, Wesley, Cam, and Xavier. Whatever magic you and the others pulled in the fourth quarter of the Hialeah game, I want you to try to replicate that. Copy?"

As I was about to reply, someone called my name. "Blake, over here."

I turned to see Jackson and a couple other players motioning to me. I looked to the coach.

"Go," Coach Hendrix confirmed. "Jackson's just going to run through a couple things with you and the starters."

I nodded and walked to where Jackson, Wesley, Cam, and Xavier were huddled. Jackson moved to the side to let me in and Wesley put an arm around my shoulders.

"Okay," Jackson started off. "As you've heard, Blake will be taking Chance's spot as shooting guard for the time being. This is our first game playing with him in the starting squad, so it's understandable if that throws you all off a little. That being said, Blake knows all the plays and is a great player with lots of potential, so I don't want to see any of you acting any different towards him than you would towards Chance. Now let's get out there and win this one."

We separated and walked over to the bench to await instructions from the coach. I made a mental note to thank Jackson later for his words. At the very least that might stop Cam from deciding not to pass to me at all during the game.

I joined the rest of the group and listened as Coach Hendrix and Coach Myers went over the game plan again. Then we did our cheer and we were out on the court. I got into my spot around the center of the court and prepared for the tip-off as I scanned the circle to see who I was to be guarding. Then the whistle blew and the game was officially underway.

Xavier got the tip and the ball bounced practically straight into my hands. I passed it over to Jackson down at our side of the court and he sent it to Cam who laid it up for our first points. Mater Academy Charter ran it down the court and tried for an early three pointer, but it bounced off the backboard and into Xavier's hands. Xavier sent it to Jackson, who passed to me. I dribbled around my opponent, but couldn't find an open shot so I passed to Wesley. Wesley ran down for a lay-up, but faked the shot at the last moment and passed behind his back to Jackson at the top of the three point line. Jackson somehow caught the impressive pass and pulled up for an easy three pointer. The score was 5-0, a pretty good start.