The faint smell of sweat and floor polish clung to the Ironwood gym as the team gathered around Coach Hale. The early morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the hardwood court.
Jaden stood near the edge of the huddle, his arms crossed over his chest. Tyler was beside him, dribbling a ball idly under one hand. Ethan stood dead center, his sharp eyes locked on Hale, while Tank and Leo leaned against each other, both still half-asleep.
Coach Hale cleared his throat, his piercing blue eyes scanning the team.
"We've got our next matchup this Friday," Hale said, his voice steady. "And it's not just any game. We're going up against Ridgeway High."
The moment the name left Hale's mouth, the energy in the gym shifted. Shoulders straightened, heads turned, and Jaden caught a flicker of something sharp in Tyler's expression something personal.
"Most of you already know this, but Ridgeway isn't just a good team. They're our biggest rivals. This isn't just about points on the scoreboard it's about pride, reputation, and respect."
Hale paused, letting the words settle over the team like a heavy blanket.
"They're physical, they're aggressive, and they're not afraid to get dirty if it means winning. But they're not invincible. If we stay disciplined, if we communicate, and if we play as a team, we will beat them."
Jaden shifted slightly, his fingers drumming against his arm. He could feel the intensity rising in the room, and he was already itching to hit the court.
"Practice today isn't going to be easy," Hale continued. "We're focusing on defense, rotations, and conditioning. Ridgeway will test every crack in our foundation, and I refuse to let them find one."
Hale's sharp gaze landed on Tyler. "Crane, you know their captain, don't you?"
Tyler's jaw tightened. "Yeah. Darius 'D-Rock' Lane."
Jaden recognized the name immediately. D-Rock was a towering forward with brute strength and a mean streak a mile wide. He was Ridgeway's enforcer, the guy who made sure every possession felt like a warzone.
"Good," Hale said. "Then you know what to expect. Everyone hit the floor. We've got work to do."
The next two hours were brutal.
Coach Hale pushed the team through relentless defensive drills switching on screens, locking down passing lanes, and practicing box-outs in the paint. Tank and Ethan were bruised and gasping for breath by the time Hale finally blew the whistle.
"Again!" Hale barked.
Jaden crouched low, his eyes sharp and focused as Tyler dribbled toward him. Tyler shifted left, then right, his movements quick and calculated. But Jaden stayed with him, his feet moving like clockwork.
Tyler hesitated for a fraction of a second, and Jaden lunged forward, knocking the ball loose. It rolled toward the sideline, and Jaden dove, his fingertips grazing the leather before he collided with the floor.
The whistle blew, and Hale's voice echoed across the gym.
"That's what I want to see!"
Jaden pushed himself up, his chest heaving as Tyler jogged over, offering a hand.
"Nice read, Hunter," Tyler said, his tone surprisingly sincere.
Jaden gripped Tyler's hand and pulled himself up. "You're not too bad yourself, Crane."
For once, Tyler didn't have a comeback.
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as Jaden walked across the Ironwood campus, his gym bag slung over his shoulder. The soreness in his legs and shoulders was a constant reminder of Hale's grueling drills, but he wore it like a badge of honor.
Ahead, he spotted Ava Martinez sitting cross-legged on a bench, her camera in her lap. She was reviewing photos on the small screen, her sharp hazel eyes narrowed in focus.
"You know, Martinez, you might as well set up a tent out here," Jaden said as he approached.
Ava smirked, glancing up. "I'd get better shots if you stopped moving so fast, Silk."
Jaden chuckled, dropping his bag beside the bench. "You hear about Ridgeway?"
Ava's expression grew serious. "Yeah. Word's already spreading around campus. Apparently, Ridgeway fans are planning to pack out our gym on Friday."
Jaden nodded, his fingers drumming lightly against his gym bag. "They're no joke. D-Rock's a monster, and their guards play like they're on caffeine IVs."
Ava tilted her head slightly. "You nervous?"
Jaden hesitated for half a second before shaking his head. "Nah. Nervous isn't the word. Locked in, maybe."
Ava studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. You'll need to be. Games like this aren't just about skill, they're about grit. Who wants it more when there's nothing left in the tank."
Jaden's smirk softened into something more serious. "You always know how to make things sound dramatic, Martinez."
"Comes with the job," Ava said with a shrug.
Jaden stood, slinging his bag back over his shoulder. "You coming to the game?"
Ava grinned. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, superstar."
Later that evening, Jaden found himself alone on the outdoor court under the pale glow of the campus floodlights. The night air was cool, and the faint chirp of crickets filled the silence.
He dribbled slowly, the ball's dull thud echoing in the stillness. His mind raced with thoughts of D-Rock, Ridgeway, and the weight of the rivalry game.
But when he closed his eyes, he could hear the faint cheers from the opener. He could feel the ball in his hands, the steady rhythm of his dribble, and the clarity of his final shot as it sank through the net.
Jaden let out a slow breath and squared up to the hoop.
One dribble. Two dribbles.
He rose into his shooting form, releasing the ball with perfect follow-through.
The ball arced high and fell cleanly through the net with a soft swish.
Somewhere deep in his chest, Jaden felt something stir, something sharp and unyielding.
Ridgeway was coming. D-Rock was coming.
But Jaden Hunter wasn't backing down.
Not now. Not ever.