The showcase day arrived, and the gym was alive with energy. Players warmed up on the court, dribbling and passing with laser focus. The bleachers were packed with scouts, their notebooks open and pens poised, ready to find the next breakout star. Kendrick's chest tightened as he scanned the crowd, spotting a few familiar college logos on jackets. This was it. The moment he'd been grinding for.
"Yo, K-Dawg!" Jamal called out, tossing him a ball. "Don't look so stiff, man. This is just another game."
Kendrick caught the ball, forcing a smirk. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one with every mistake getting written down."
Jamal laughed, dribbling in place. "They're not looking for perfect, bro. They're looking for heart. Just do what you do best."
Kendrick nodded, but his stomach churned. The stakes had never felt higher. As the whistle blew to start the game, he took a deep breath and stepped onto the court.
From the tip-off, the pace was intense. Kendrick's team worked seamlessly, moving the ball with precision and timing. Kendrick stayed sharp, calling plays and scanning for openings. His first shota midrange jumper was clean, swishing through the net. The crowd murmured, and Kendrick felt his confidence rise.
On defense, he locked in, shadowing his man with relentless energy. A steal late in the first quarter led to a fast-break layup, drawing cheers from the stands.
"Keep it up, Rivers!" Coach Ray bellowed from the sideline, his voice cutting through the noise.
By halftime, Kendrick's team led by six, and his stat line looked strong: 12 points, 4 assists, 3 steals. As he grabbed a water bottle, Jamal nudged him.
"Yo, you see that scout from State?" Jamal asked, nodding toward a man in a sharp blazer near the top of the bleachers. "Dude's been watching you all night."
Kendrick glanced over, his heart skipping a beat. The scout's gaze was locked on him, scribbling notes furiously.
"Think I'm doing enough?" Kendrick asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Enough? Bro, you're killing it!" Jamal said with a grin. "Just keep playing your game."
As the second half began, Kendrick felt the pressure mounting. The opposing team tightened their defense, doubling him every time he touched the ball. But Kendrick adapted, setting up his teammates for open looks and finding space to knock down a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
When the final buzzer sounded, Kendrick's team had pulled out a hard-fought victory. Exhausted but elated, Kendrick looked up at the bleachers, catching the scout's approving nod.
"You did it, K-Dawg," Jamal said, clapping him on the back. "They're watching now."
Kendrick smiled, but he knew this was just the beginning.