After changing back into his warmup jumpsuit BJ and the rest of the JV team headed out to the concession stands for a quick snack before the varsity game. As he waited in line, BJ pulled out his phone, noticing a message he'd missed earlier from his mom. Even though she didn't live with him and his dad since the divorce, she always made an effort to check in, especially on game days.
Mom: "Good luck tonight, BJ! Can't wait to hear all about it."
Realizing he hadn't replied yet, BJ quickly typed back. "Hey, Mom! We won 66-40 I scored 15 points with 7 assists and a few steals. We were on fire tonight. Wish you could've been here"
As he hit send, BJ's stomach growled, and he looked over at Xavier, who was already devouring a glizzy. He nudged him, getting his attention. "Bro you checked out the schedule? We got some big games coming up."
X nodded, glancing over at the list BJ held. "Yeah, I was just looking. Southport's next. They're decent, but I'm hyped for that Christmas tournament."
BJ's eyes lit up as he scanned the Jingle Bell Classic lineup. "You see who's coming? Oak Hill, Whitney Young, Findlay Prep all them boys no joke.
Xavier grinned. "If we thought Bloomington North was a warm-up, wait till we see what these prep schools bring. Those guys are on another level."
BJ smirked. "All I'm saying is, if varsity's going to go up against that kind of talent, it'll be one to remember. Playing at Indiana University arena that's huge."
BJ smirked. "All I'm saying is, if varsity's gonna go up against that talent, it'll be one to remember."
Grabbing his order of nachos, BJ left the concession stand balancing the tray in one hand while sipping on his drink. Tyreek grabbed a popcorn and a soda, and they started heading back into the gym.
The atmosphere had shifted completely. The once moderately filled bleachers were now packed with fans parents and students people weren't just here for a high school basketball game they were here to see the main attraction, Quintin Powers.
Standing at 6'5" and ranked as a four-star shooting guard, Quintin had made waves ever since transferring to Gary West last year when his family moved to town. Committed to West Virginia, The stands had never been this packed for a non-conference game.
"Man, look at this place," Xavier said, popping one of Tyreek popcorn kernels into his mouth as they found seats a few rows up from the court. "Quintin's got this whole gym jumping. I bet half these people are just here to see him."
BJ shrugged, carefully balancing his nachos as they sat down. "I mean, he's the real deal. You saw what he did last season. Dropped 40 on Lawrence North like it was nothing. Quin like that."
The varsity teams were running layup lines on the court, and the energy in the gym was electric. Quintin caught a pass on the wing during warmups, casually dribbled between his legs, and rose up for a one-handed dunk.
"See what I mean?" Xavier said, laughing. "Quintin doesn't even gotta try, and he's already got this place going crazy."
BJ nodded, his eyes glued to the court. "Yeah, but don't forget about the rest of the squad. Isaiah's a beast down low, and Amir can body anybody in the paint. If they play their game, Bloomington North might get blown out by 50."
As the buzzer sounded to signal the start of the game, BJ leaned back on the bleachers the varsity squad huddled up on the sideline, while Bloomington North's team finished their warmups on the other end.
The arena lights dimmed slightly as the announcer's voice echoed through the gym, signaling the start of the varsity game.
"The lights dimmed in the gym as the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, heightening the anticipation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's meet the starting lineup for your Gary West Bulldogs varsity team!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and BJ leaned forward in his seat, still munching on his nachos.
"At forward, standing 6-foot-7, a senior, number 23, Isaiah Marshall!"
"At power forward, standing 6-foot-8, a junior, number 21, Amir Taylor!"
"At shooting guard, standing 6-foot-5, a senior, and a West Virginia commit, number 7, Quintin Powers!"
"At center, standing 6-foot-9, a junior, number 33, Jacob Wilkins!"
"And at point guard, standing 6-foot-2, a senior, number 4, CJ Evans!"
Just then, the varsity coaching staff emerged from the locker room, led by none other than Coach Saint himself. Dressed in an all-gray custom suit, his bald head gleamed under the bright gym lights, catching BJ's attention immediately.
BJ nudged Xavier with his elbow, nearly spilling some nacho cheese in the process. "Yo, check out pops. That head's so shiny, I bet he can blind somebody if he stands in the right spot. Bruh look at him BJ said, laughing Man's looking like a walking car hood, all that shine on his dome. Probably got it waxed before the game.
Xavier burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Man, you're wild for that. But seriously, your pops always gotta come out lookin' like he's coaching the NBA Finals."
BJ shrugged, grinning. "Gotta stay fresh, I guess."
Coach Saint stood courtside papers in hand chatting it up with some of the bench players.
"Finally game time," BJ said, settling into his seat. "Varsity's about to cook."
As the starters huddled one last time and the ref prepared for the opening tip.