Chapter 253
The game hadn’t started yet, and Flora, Connor, and Kaylee managed to snag a spot right in the middle of the bleachers.
Around them, it was mostly teens their age, all there to cheer for their friends. Mixed in were some middle–aged parents, clearly there to support their kids on the court.
The heat was sweltering, and Connor, being the thoughtful guy he was, went off to grab some ice cream and ice–cold water for Flora and Kaylee.
The whistle blew, and the game was on!
Dane and his team were the first to hit the court. It was Flora’s first time seeing them play. Dane was lightning–fast and worked perfectly with Alex, quickly putting the other team on the back foot.
In the end, Dane’s team clinched the win with a solid six–point lead.
The teens erupted in cheers, hugging each other in celebration. Flora took a bite of her ice cream, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her.
On the other side, Jack and his team also scored a victory. Jack shot a dark look over at Dane’s team. He better hope they don’t face off, Jack thought, because if they do, Dane’s in for it.
“Next up, Westbrook High vs. Cornett High. Teams, get ready,” the referee announced.
At the ref’s call, Flora looked up to see Dane’s team and Jack’s team making their way to the center of the court.
“Seriously?” Kaylee exclaimed, remembering the tension between Jack and Dane from earlier.
Flora stayed quiet, her eyes glued to the court.
“You might as well give up now,” Jack sneered. “If it’s anything like the prelims, you’re going down hard. It’ll be embarrassing.“.
“Who’s gonna lose? We’ll see after the game. Last time, you only beat us by three points. Big deal,” Alex shot back. Both teams trained at the same place and often clashed over the court. Jack’s team, riding on their school’s academic rep, always looked down on them, and the resentment had been building for a while.
“Why waste your breath? Let’s just show them what we’ve got and have them begging for mercy!” a Cornett player jeered.
“You ready?” the ref called out.
Dane and Jack nodded.
The ref tossed the ball high into the air!
Dane, with his long legs, kicked the ball towards his team.
Jack missed the catch, his face darkening, “You two, flank him!”
“Got it!”
Cornett’s players closed in on Dane from both sides, with Jack tight on his heels. But Dane, moving like a flash, spun around Jack and passed the ball to Alex, who was already in position for a powerful shot.
Scored!
Dane and Alex’s perfect teamwork left Cornett struggling to keep up. They were running in circles, exhausted, while Dane’s team was still going strong.
Alex passed the ball back to Dane. He broke through the defense with a stunning leap and slam dunked it!
Two points!
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
“OMG, Westbrook High is so awesome! Their forward is called Dane, right? I’m totally crushing on him!”
“Is Jack’s team even trying? If we knew they’d be this bad, we wouldn’t have bothered cheering.”
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“Yeah, getting beaten this badly by Westbrook High is just embarrassing.”