CHAPTER 62
"TO BE BETTER THAN WE WERE YESTERDAY!"
The sun beat down on the bustling streets of Lagos, casting a golden glow over the chaotic landscape. Workers rushed to and fro, hurrying to grab a spot in the crowded buses or taxis that would take them to their destinations. Students, laden with bags and books, dodged pedestrians as they made their way to school
At the Charlie Queens Academy, the Principal addressed the students during the Thursday morning assembly. He encouraged them to prepare adequately and work hard ahead of the 1st term examination, which will commence in a few days, precisely on Monday of thr upcoming week
It was revision week, and all course syllabi had been covered. The students had limited time to prepare for the exams, while the teachers were busy typing and printing their exam questions. It was a busy time for everyone
For the Queens, it was an even busier time. They had more to think about than just the exams. With the 2069 Christmas Champions Cup set to commence on the 2nd of December 2069, less than a month away, they had limited time to prepare and train
The school alarm blared at 2 pm, signaling the end of the school day. Students packed their belongings and head home, while the Queens changed into their training kits and made their way straight to the gymnasium, where Mrs. Lawal was waiting for them
The Queens trained for just two hours, but those two hours were relentlessly rigorous. Tolu, in possession of the ball, dashed in, stopped, and took a jump shot inside the two-point area. The ball sailed through the air and bounced off the rim, creating a rebounding battle between Tosin, Mayowa, and Eno. Eno's attempt to slow both players down by screening them out backfired as Tosin rose highest and secured the rebound, slamming it back into the hoop almost immediately
Mrs. Lawal's whistle pierced the air, echoing through out the gymnasium as she gathered her players around
"Good work, everyone," Mrs. Lawal began, "First of all, yesterday was massive. You all did a great job against the Rose Newton High School and Victoria. As your coach, I'm proud. Well done, girls!"
"Huff… huff… huff… Why are we practicing then/? Shouldn't we take a break? Huff… huff…" Mercy questioned, catching her breath
"For victory!" Mrs. Lawal responded passionately, "You see, our aim is be the best team in Nigeria. To do that, we have to be better than we were yesterday. Simply put, we need to keep improving every day. Also, when the exams start, there won't be any training. Thus, we have a week-long break starting from next week Monday. Shouldn't we utilize what little time we have? The Christmas Champions Cup is set to kick off on December 2nd 2069. We need to be well-prepared." She took a moment to look at her wristwatch before continuing, "Alright, we've come to the end of our training session for today. Go home and prepare for your exams after tidying up the gym. Anyone who fails this exam will not participate in the forthcoming Christmas Champions Cup. If you all fail, we will forfeit the tournament"
The Queens chorused in shock and fear, "What?!"
"Why the surprise? Isn't that what we agreed on last year? Besides, you all made it last year, didn't you? What makes you think you can't do it again? Well, tomorrow, we will meet for the last time before the exams. Eat well, rest well, and study hard. I believe in you girls. I have complete faith in your abilities." Mrs. Lawal encouraged with a bright grin, "Disamissed!"
"Thank you very much, ma!" the Queens bowed in unison
The Queens, undeterred by the mounting pressure of the impending exam, had one final session before the academic gauntlet. Each member of the team harnessed their unique study techniques, bracing themselves for the challenge that lay ahead.
In the wake of the exams, the Queens resumed their rigorous training schedule, the echoes of bouncing basketballs reverberating through the gymnasium as teachers toiled over grading papers and finalizing reports. Mrs. Lawal, though consumed by her own responsibilities, managed to offer guidance and support through the team's group chat, her words serving as a beacon of encouragement in the face of mounting challenges
Unexpectedly two familiar faces appeared at the periphery of the Queens' training ground. Shalom, ever observant, recognized the onlookers and drew her teammates' attention to the window where Abike and Sandra peered in, their longing for the camaderie of their former teammates evident in their gazes
"Hey, aren't those who I think they are?" Shalom asked, noticing two people peeping from the gym window
"Yes, Abike and Sandra are peeping through the window," Tolu confirmed
"They must have missed playing basketball with us. I saw them yesterday as well," Mercy revealed
"Well, those two have been coming to watch us train ever since we secured our place in the Christmas Champions Cup. It feels annoying that they had to watch from the window, though," Chioma said
"By the way, where is Tosin?" Oluchi inquired
"Tosin went to see Coach. Coach summoned her to the staffroom for an important discussion," Eno said
As the Queens continued to train, Abike and Sandra continued to watch from the window
"I really want to rejoin this team, Abike," Sandra confessed
"Me too, Sandra," Abike admitted, "But…."
"But what?" Tosin suddenly said from behind, startling the two girls
"Tosin?! You scared us," Sandra said
"Ahaha., sorry about that," Tosin apologized
"Don't worry, we were already on our way out," Abike said
"Are you sure about that?" Tosin asked
The two girls were hesitant to walk away
"Look, Queens. I know you still want to play basketball with us. But I can't force you. This decision is yours to make. And yes, if you want to come back, the door is always open, okay?" Tosin said and walked into the gym
As Abike and Sandra watched their former teammates train with unwavering determination, the realization of their own desire crystallized
"Hey, Sandra, I don't know about you but I've really wanted to come back to this team ever since we quit 4 years ago. If the door is still open, doesn't that mean I just have to walk through the doot?" Abike said, a newfound desire kindled in her
"I could say the same thing because I feel the same way, Abike," Sandra said, bolstered by Abike's admission
"Alright, let's do this!" Abike said, her face hardening with determination
"Yeah," Sandra replied with a resolute nod, matching Abike's intensity
As the day drew to a close, the Queens found themselves practicing drills and refining their strategies. As they practiced, Mrs. Lawal made her entrance, bringing them news that would shape the course of their journey ahead
"Hello girls," Mrs. Lawal greeted, a warm smile gracing her lips as she took in the sight of her team
"Gather around, everyone!" Tosin called out, prompting the Queens to huddle around their Coach, eager to hear what she has to say
Scanning the faces of her players, Mrs. Lawal's gaze landed on Abike and Sandra, her delight evident as she welcomed them back, "Oh? It's interesting that Abike and Sandra are back. It's good to have them back. Welcome back, girls," she said, her words met with playful enthusiasm from the team as they welcomed their teammates
With the entire team focused on her, Mrs. Lawal began to share the news they had all been waiting for: "I came with an important piece of information. The Christmas Champions Cup draw has been done and we were drawn in group O"
A murmur of shock rippled through the huddle, as the Queens struggled to comprehend the implications of the development. "Group O?" Mercy asked, her confusion mirroring that of her teammates
"Coach, isn't this different from the normal settings?" Tosin asked, seeking clarification on the tournament structure
"Well, yeah," Mrs. Lawal replied, "However, the Nigeria National Basketball Association (NNBA) is trying to make the tournament less stressful with reduced number of games. Consequently, they proposed a new format for the tournament. In this new format, all 74 teams will compete against each other in the group stages which is also a part of the proposed new format of the tournament. All 74 teams are grouped in 16 groups. In this new format, only one team from each group will qualify to the knockout stages. I have shared the all necessary information about the draw on the group chat. You can go through them later,"
The Queens listened intently as Mrs. Lawal continued, "Also, we won't be facing Wyse until the semifinals. This is assuming we make it through the group stages. But don't feel relieved just yet. Because including Wyse, we will most likely face teams with members of Victorious Varsity in them in every round in the knockout stages. In the final, if we make it that far though, we will most likely go up against her"
"Who?" Tosin asked, her curiosity piqued
"She is not only the best shooting guard, but also the best highschool female basketball player in the whole country," Mrs. Lawal revealed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, "So get ready, girls. This Christmas is going to be fun!"
"YEAH!" The Queens chorused in response, their determination and excitement palpable as they absorbed the magnitude of the challenges that lay ahead
With their exams successfully behind them and all Queens, including Abike and Sandra, eligible to participate in the Christmas Champions Cup, the team was more united than ever. Charlie Queens Academy demonstrated their support by booking flights for the girls, who departed from Lagos on November 30th 2069, at 8 am, arriving at Abuja after an hour and a half journey
As they settled into the hotel where they would stay during the tournament, the Queens knew before the competition was precious. They made good use of it by training and mastering their techniques and strategies.
The Christmas Champions Cup, a prestigious annual high school tournament, provided a platform for students to showcase their skills and talents in different sports. Spanning 21 days, the victors of the tournament would enjoy previledges such as automatic qualification in the next edition and the title of the best high school team in the country for that year