Rebound: A 2nd Chance

0Inside of a large college-sized arena. The game had yet to start and fans were already showing their passion and excitement as the whole place buzzed with noise.     0

At the center of the court were a few individuals dressed in Dominion middle school basketball jerseys but from their appearance they were clearly too old to be players.     

Music began to play from the speakers, 808s bumping on full blast as they began to dance with spotlights illuminating them from the top.     

With a powerful display of breakdancing, they began to hype up the crowd who fully responded in turn with their heightened energy.     

Warming up on his team's side of the court, Jason was rhythmically dribbling the ball from his left to his right hand as he took in the atmosphere.     

He then turned to his teammates 'This intensity and atmosphere is nothing like they've ever faced before. But I'm sure that this won't be where our season comes to a stop.'     

All of the boys were trying their best to hide it but Jason could see that they were all feeling the pressure to varying degrees.     

Matt began to clang shots off the rim, DJ dribbled the ball off of his foot, and Vincent missed a few baseline jumpers.     

Later, in the locker room. Amongst his dispirited teammates, Jason stood up and clapped his hands loudly.     

"Come on y'all! Why the hell did we work so hard if we was just gonna give up now? We ain't even get through tip-off and y'all acting like we lost."     

Jason began to scan his teammate's faces as his gaze went from one side to another "It would be one thing if this was just from our rookies.     

But I expected more from my guys that have been with me since last year. Matt, DJ, Vince, how do you think UD and Trell would feel if they saw you acting like this?     

We are so close to a national title, we can almost taste it. But you guys are acting like this. I guarantee you, if you put the two of them in the position that you guys are in right now that they would be hyped as hell."     

The three of them raised their heads as they began to look at each other with determined expressions on their faces.     

Seeing the change in his friends Jason gave a nod of satisfaction "Alright y'all. Lets get things done tonight and get one more step closer to that National title."     

Jason took a step forward and put his fist out. One by one all of the boys began to follow him as they stacked all of their fists atop of one another.     

Jason shouted out "Who are we!?" The boys voices boomed out in unison "Jefferson!"     

Jason shouted out once again "And what are we!?" Once again the boys shouted out to answer him "We some dogs!"     

"We might be on the road but lets show em where they really are! Where are we!?"     

"The Dog House!" "Where are we!?" "The Dog House!" With each repetition of their shouting their fists floated up and down.     

After a few more rounds of spirited yelling Jason looked at the faces around him one last time "That's right. So let's give em hell tonight!"     

And with that he threw his fist into the air accompanied by the fist of the other boys. All of their hearts were beating wildly. But this time it was out of excitement instead of fear or anxiety.     

_____________     

In the other locker room. A middle aged man with pale skin and a balding combover held a clipboard with Xs and Os drawn on it as he looked to the boys huddled around him.     

This was Coach Wikemen's 14th year as the head coach. And it was his tenth year leading his team to the national tournament.     

He was known for his thorough game time preparation and ability to make adjustments mid game.     

"Listen up, as long as we stick to the game plan we have nothing to worry about.     

You all have more experience at this level of competition. You've all spent more time working towards this than anyone else on Jefferson.     

They might have the most eyes on them tonight but that's only because of them having a player on a TV show.     

But tonight we're playing on a basketball court not shooting a scene on some set. So let's show them why we're the favorites to win tonight alright?"     

He then looked to a boy with medium length dreads that just hovered over his shoulders.     

"Tonight we are going to need you're scoring more than ever alright GT? I know that Jason is known to be a tough defender but I don't care if he's halfway up your jersey.     

As long as you feel comfortable, I want you taking every shot you feel you can make you got me?"     

GT nodded his head with a determined look on his face "I got you coach, just leave it to me." The Wikemen then turned his gaze toward Devin.     

"And I want you to come off the bench tonight." Devin's eyes widened and all of the boys began to whisper amongst themselves upon hearing what the coach had to say.     

"Yo, you sure bout this Coach? When it comes to gettin buckets me and GT is the best on the team. Why would you want me to be on the bench?"     

Wikemen began to grin "You're right, you and GT are the best scorers we have on the team. Whether it's off of a play or just straight isolation.     

But that's exactly why I need you to come off of the bench for us tonight." Devin and the rest of the boys looked at their coach with confused looks on their faces.      

Wikemen began to explain his game plan to his players. And as they heard what he had to say they all began to nod their heads in understanding.     

Devin shook his head with a slight smile on his face "You a real schemer ain't you Coach?" He simply patted him on the back before replying.     

"Let's show Jefferson what happens when you go against a team with talent and experience. Tonight is going to be a long night for Jason."