Time: July 22, 2010 – 4:00 PM
Location: Oak Hill Academy – School Gym
The gym smelled of polished wood and old sweat, sunbeams streaming in through the high windows. The clang of the rim, the squeak of sneakers—familiar sounds. But today felt different.
I looked at my team, lined up in front of me, their faces expectant.
Lucas Graves (#10) – arms crossed, focused and alert.
Evan Cooper (#9) – bouncing the ball with quiet rhythm, eyes flicking to me.
Josh Turner (#8) – leaning forward, hands on knees, ready.
Ryan Taylor (#11) – tall and sturdy, nodding slowly.
Brandon Young (#15) – standing with silent intensity.
Aiden White (#7) – already stretching, eager to move.
Then my eyes drifted to the bench.
Louie Gee Davas (#5) – leaned back, grinning wide.
Coonie Smith (#6) – arms behind his head, relaxed but listening.
Jeremy Park (#42) – straight-backed, serious.
Kai Mendoza (#31) – one foot up on the bench, tightening his shoes.
