Score: Vorpal 56 – Roanoke 48
10 minutes remain.
The buzzer echoed through the gym like a war drum.
The third quarter was done.
The crowd hummed with nerves and energy, some still on their feet, others holding their breath. But on the Vorpal bench, time seemed to pause for just a moment.
Ethan Albarado stood at the center of the huddle.
His forehead glistened with sweat, but his eyes were clear sharp, like glass about to cut through steel.
Around him, the team waited, breaths heavy from the battle they'd just fought.
Ethan looked at each of them. Then spoke.
"Fourth quarter. This is where we put everything on the line."
They leaned in.
"The starters will be me, Lucas, Evan, Brandon… and Louie."
There were no protests. Only silence.
But the question was written on all their faces.
Ayumi, from the side, blinked. "Why Louie?" she asked softly.
