Possession 5 — Jalen ball
This time, Jalen approached with calm precision. A single dribble forward. A subtle head fake.
Then—step-back.
Clean separation.
He rose smoothly and launched the three.
Swish.
Perfect form. Perfect arc.
"2-1, Flash," Ryan called, his voice subdued by the disbelief hanging in the air.
Louie clicked his tongue. "Tch… no big deal."
But his tightened jaw said otherwise.
…
Possession 6 — Louie ball
Something snapped in Louie.
He gritted his teeth, dribbled harder, and moved with frantic speed.
Spin move.
Crossover.
Double cross.
He danced with desperation, every move sharper, faster—fueled by pride.
Finally, he broke through.
He got past Jalen—just barely—and surged toward the basket.
He jumped, fully extended, reaching out for the layup like it was a final shot at pride.
But Jalen was right behind him.
SMACK!
The ball slammed against the backboard with brutal force.
