The gym in Baltimore reeked of sweat and hardwood polish. The Harbor Kings had just finished their last scrimmage before the semi-finals, jerseys clinging to their skin, sneakers still echoing faint squeaks across the court.
Mrs. Sora Nakamura, their coach, stood at midcourt with arms folded. Petite but commanding, her sharp eyes swept across her ten players. She held up her clipboard like a judge about to hand down a sentence.
"Your next match in the semi-final… is Vorpal Basket. Are you all ready?"
Silence for a heartbeat—then Lamello "Jet" Robinson, still bouncing the ball between his legs, let out a smirk.
"I'm born ready."
The swagger in his voice spread like fire. Malik "Spin" Carter twirled the ball around his waist, spinning it on his finger before casually flicking it into the air.
