BOND

14.

You tripped my head and tricked my mind

I don't remember what I left behind

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Bryce Jensen put on his glasses, adjusted his tie, and dove into the world of television.

"Good morning America and welcome to Barclays Center, currently host to the best teams and players for the future competing in the annual State Showdown!"

He walked onto the now empty court, "Forty of the best high school teams in the country will go head to head in knockout matches this entire week! And on Sunday we get the best, the most promising players of them all against each other for an epic final match! Stay tuned with us as we bring you the live coverage of the full event!"

The camera shifted out of focus onto another person as he entered into the screen.

"For now, an exclusive with the captain of the defending champions- Zach Dallas!" Bryce shifted the microphone under Zach's nose.

"How is the competition looking for New York this year Zach?" Bryce asked.

Zach smirked into the camera, "The boys are looking forward to taking the trophy home," both of them laughed for the audience at home.

Zach ran a hand through his hair and continued, "Yeah, no. We're in a very positive mindset about the matches. There are a lot of new players this year so it should be good."

"Speaking of new players, the boys from Wisconsin have a massive supporter..." Bryce trailed off leaving a question for Zach.

He nodded and replied, "It's pretty surreal because Elena is the kind of person we all want to be, you know success wise. And now there's a chance that she could be here for our matches."

Ben shut off the television and looked over at Joey, standing with his arms folded at the end of the couch.

Joey felt his eyes upon him and turned towards him, "What?"

Ben shrugged, "Nothing."

Coach Harley entered, putting an end to their conversation. He held up the sheet in his hand and said, "First match is in five hours. Minnesota."

Joey said, "William Crake."

Coach motioned towards him, "William Crake, the captain.  Plays safe, so should be an easy match. Make up the playing order and run it by me. I'll see you on the court in four." And he went out giving the sheet to Joey.

Alex went up next to him and said, "William's gonna start. He never sits out the first half."

Joey nodded and thought over their play for a minute before acknowledging all the boys.

"First string's gonna be me, Alex, Mark, Oliver and Josh. Ben you'll take first substitute."

Mark said, "If we both go in that means two on small forward."

Joey nodded back, "Because they'll double up their centre."

Oliver smirked, "Who'll both focus on you."

The boys nodded their agreement and continued talking about further strategies.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Elena carefully stood up from her split, having injured herself before, and shook hands with the event manager.

"It's great to have you here," the man whose name she'd forgotten said.