The tip‑off felt like the first breath before a storm. Under the bright arena lights, both teams circled the circle, anticipation electric in the air. The announcer's voice faded into the background as the players locked eyes, each heartbeat a drumbeat in the silent moment before the clash.
"Here we go," I murmured, standing beside the court. My clipboard had been set aside now wasn't the time for diagrams. It was time for action.
Vorpal Basket's starters took their places:
#11 Ryan Taylor – Power Forward, crouched low, muscles coiled.
#10 Lucas Graves – Shooting Guard, calm yet hungry.
#8 Josh Turner – Small Forward, agile and watchful.
#15 Brandon Young – Center, a solid presence.
#9 Evan Cooper – Point Guard, focused, ball in hand.
Across the line stood the Blazing Fox roster:
Leonel Blaze – Point Guard, the Maestro, eyes glowing with strategic fire.
Jace Holloway – Shooting Guard, the Phantom Shooter, relaxed but lethal.
