First AAU Game Part 2/3

*Sound Effects*

**Language**

'Thoughts'

"Dialogue"

Returning to the defensive end, I quickly surveyed my teammates, analyzing the matchups to identify potential weaknesses in the opponents' defense. A prompt observation caught my attention: Elijah's opponent appeared slender in comparison, presenting an opportunity for him to use his strength to back him down and make plays toward the basket. I noted the potential for exploiting this advantage further. On the other hand, Caleb faced a slightly shorter but sturdier opponent, which could pose challenges for him to drive if he couldn't maneuver past the bulkier defender. Regarding Marcus, he was matched up against a smaller guard. However, I couldn't determine how well he'd fare until I gauged the athleticism of his opponent.

Upon evaluating the matchups, I shifted my focus entirely to number 3, who possessed the ball with a determined expression. Intuition suggested he intended to score on this possession. Recognizing this, I cast another quick glance behind me to assess the opposing team's positioning. It became evident they were setting up an isolation play, indicating his intention to blow past me for an easy basket. Nevertheless, I was determined not to let that happen.

*Thump thump thump*

I heard the basket make a rhythmic sound, observing as number 3 made his move. He initiated a series of quick dribbles, attempting to shift me one way. Anticipating his strategy, I executed a subtle feint, pretending to shift my weight entirely onto one foot. The defender, thinking he had caught me off balance, made his move, attempting to blow by me with a burst of speed. Little did he know, it was a ruse.

Seizing the moment, I swiftly adjusted my stance, maintaining balance, and capitalized on his misconception. As he lunged forward, confident in exploiting what he believed was a defensive vulnerability, I expertly poked the ball away from his control. The gym echoed with the surprise of onlookers as the ball skittered out of reach, and I seized the opportunity to launch a fast break for my team. The calculated deception had turned the tables, showcasing the strategic aspect of the game.

Dribbling the ball up the court, I sensed an opportunity taking shape. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Elijah making a powerful move toward the basket. In a split-second decision, I decided to elevate the play.

With a quick glance, I gauged the distance and timing, then launched the ball off the backboard, perfectly setting up an alley-oop for Elijah. The gym erupted in excitement as he soared through the air, catching the ball mid-flight and throwing down a thunderous dunk. The crowd's reaction was electric, a symphony of cheers and applause reverberating through the air. It was a spectacular play that not only electrified the spectators but also added a momentum boost to our team.

Touching down after the electrifying dunk, Elijah swiftly exchanged a high five. "Nice pass," he acknowledged. "Anytime," I replied, and we hustled back on defense. Glancing at number 3 as we sprinted down the court, it was obvious he was pissed off.

After regaining possession, number 3 advanced up the court. Once more, he tried to drive right, yet I anticipated his every move, locking him up and stifling any progress. Under pressure and with dwindling options, he resorted to passing the ball to his teammate, who was closely guarded by Elijah. Leveraging his size advantage, Elijah prevented his matchup from reaching the basket. Observing the dwindling clock, the opponent had no choice but to attempt a challenging, contested shot that went awry.

Xavier swiftly grabbed the board, and passed the ball to me, initiating the next play for our team. The defensive stand had not only thwarted their scoring attempt but also provided us with an opportunity to extend our lead.

Dribbling up the court, I observed that number 3 was sagging off a bit to prevent a drive, and the help defense was slightly away from Xavier, ready to step up if I attempted to blow past number 3.

'Drive for the first bucket and a shot for the second, always works,' I strategized. This approach often proved effective because basketball resembled a game of chess. With little knowledge about each other's capabilities, we played it out and reacted. Having demonstrated speed and handling skills, the opponents were now banking on the assumption that I lacked a reliable shot.

'Too bad for them,' I mused, sizing up my defender before smoothly rising for a jump shot from 3-point range with no contest. Holding my form, I followed through, watching the ball soar through the air towards the net.

*Swish*

*WHOOOOO*

The opposing team called a timeout, recognizing the momentum shift, with the score now standing at 8-0.

"Good shit," Elijah exclaimed. I received high fives as I made my way to the bench, where I spotted Coach Will sporting a wide grin from ear to ear.

"Great effort on both ends out there," Coach Will praised the team. I grabbed a quick sip of orange Gatorade while tuning in to his words.

"Now that Javi has their attention, it opens up more opportunities for everyone," Coach Will emphasized, his strategic insight resonating with the team. "I want Elijah to get a couple of isolations against his matchup; he's not as big, so he won't be able to do much," he explained while drawing up a play for Elijah. "You up for that?" he asked Elijah. "Yeah, coach, I'm up for it," Elijah responded.

*WHOOOO* echoed the timeout whistle. "Alright, keep up the good work," Coach Will encouraged us before we returned to the hardwood.

Glancing at the scoreboard, I noted there were still over 6 minutes left in the quarter. In AAU games, each quarter spanned 8 minutes. Redirecting my gaze to the opposing team preparing to inbound the ball to number 3, I mused, 'Guess they're sticking with him.' His expression spoke volumes, indicating that the coach hadn't delivered any positive messages during their timeout.

Number 3 received the ball on the inbounds and swiftly passed it to Caleb's counterpart. The burlier player promptly drove in from the right wing, aiming for the basket, leveraging his physique to muscle past Caleb. He successfully maneuvered around Caleb's hip, using his body as a shield as he executed a layup. Xavier made an attempt to defend the basket, but the ball was already in the air before he could contest. All eyes were on the ball as it kissed off the glass, swirling into the net.

The scoreboard read 8-2, with some spectators in the audience cheering for the basket.

After receiving the inbound pass from Xavier, I faced full-court pressure from number 3. Clearly eager to make a statement, he was determined in his defense. 'It's showtime,' I thought, utilizing my ball-handling skills to maneuver left to right, employing my body to shield the ball as I advanced past half-court.

Observing number 3 defending me beyond the 3-point line, I knew my move. I promptly faked left, executed an in-and-out dribble, and swiftly went right. Though number 3 was caught slightly off guard, he managed to keep pace with his hips turned – precisely what I wanted. Seizing the opportunity, I executed a quick crossover to the left, capitalizing on his momentum carrying him right, even with a discreet push-off to ensure the ref didn't intervene.

Spectators watched as Javi unleashed a slick crossover, sending the defender off-balance, and then smoothly rose for a beautiful pull-up jumper from mid-range.

*Swish*

The crowd erupted in cheers. I received high fives and a fist bump from Elijah as we headed back on defense.

The first quarter concluded before I knew it, and before I realized it, the score stood at 25-6. I contributed 8 points along with 4 assists, closely trailed by Elijah and Xavier, each with 6 points. Meanwhile, Caleb had 3 points, and Marcus secured 2 points. On the opposing team, only Caleb's and Xavier's matchups managed to score a few points.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. For the first AAU game against a local and lesser-known team, I aimed to keep it concise. Expect longer chapters for future tournament matchups. As for the NBA games, brace yourself for even more extended narratives! Leave a comment on your thoughts and if you're liking the story so far. Also, if you want to support the story consider leaving a review or voting with your power stones below, they really help get the story out there for more to read!