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Flashback
"So, this is where the legendary number 10 from the Queens is, huh?" Aisa said with a smile, approaching Tosin from behind, carrying a bag and putting on her team's kit
Startled, Tosin turned around to face Aisa. "Oh, Aisa, you're still here?"
"Yeah, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in your team's meeting?" Aisa asked
"I have to go somewhere, so I had to boycott the meeting. I'll apologize later," Tosin explained her situation
Aisa nodded understandingly. "Alright then, let's go together. So, are you trying to hail a cab?" Aisa inquired, observing Tosin's attempt to flag down a ride
"Oh, no. I'm trying to hail a Keke Napep," Tosin replied
Aisa raised an eyebrow, concerned about Tosin's injured leg. "Even with your injured leg? A Keke Napep? Really?
Tosin shrugged, her options limited. "What choice do I have? I don't have money for a cab"
Understanding the situation, Aisa offered a solution. "I see. Don't worry then; let me call a cab. I'll pay for both of us"
Relieved, Tosin breathed a sigh of gratitude. "Ah! Aisa, God bless you! You're a lifesaver"
As they waited for the cab, the two girls engaged in a conversation, touching on various topics. Aisa congratulated Tosin on the Queens' victory earlier that day. "Congratulations on your victory today. You guys are something else"
Tosin, beaming with pride, acknowledged her teammates' efforts. "You don't say. My teammates are amazing"
Aisa then shifted the conversation to the Queens' next game-the playoffs final. "Your next opponents are the Rose Newton High School"
Tosin nodded, sharing some history between the two teams. "Yeah, we've already played them twice. We were soundly beaten both times. I didn't participate in either of those games"
With a serious expression, Aisa analyzed the Rose Newton High School's strength. "This might sound harsh, but even with you on the court, I just can't imagine the Rose Newton High School ever losing to any team other than teams with members of the Victorious Varsity. After all, they've got a member of the Victorious Varsity in their team too"
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Back to the present
Now, going up against Victoria herself, Tosin couldn't help but admit that her friend's warnings were right
Tosin muttered under her breath, her words barely, audible "Huff…. Huff…. You were right…. Huff…. Aisa... Huff... Even I find it difficult to score against Victoria"
Mercy, seated next to her, looked at her with curiosity. "Huh? Did you say something?"
Tosin shook her head. "No, it's nothing"
The Queens sat quietly on the bench, awaiting their coach's instructions ahead of the final quarter. Mrs. Lawal stood before them; her expression serious.
"There are only ten minutes left in the game, we have to get ready," she began. "But first, Tosin, this is your first game against Victoria. What do you think?"
Tosin, having faced Victoria for the first time, shared her observations with her teammates. "I'm faster than she is," she declared, prompting shock and disbelief from the entire team.
"What do you mean you're faster than Victoria?" Oluchi questioned, unable to believe Tosin's claim.
"That's the silliest joke I've ever heard," Shalom scoffed
Eno chimed in, "I'm aware you're the fastest on this team, but you saw it for yourself – none of us could keep up with her. Not even you"
Mrs. Lawal, recognizing the importance of Tosin's insight, urged the team to listen, "Guys, let's hear her out"
Tosin continued, "Victoria's arms are long. That alone gives her a huge advantage in defense. Consequently, she can reach most shots without jumping"
The team, shocked by Tosin's acute analysis, listened intently as she revealed more about their formidable opponents
"Wow, I can't believe you took note of that after just one quarter against her," Shalom marveled
"I'm afraid there's more," Tosin admitted
"What? There is more?" Oluchi's eyes widened in surprise
"It's not just her arms," Tosin continued, "Her legs are freakishly long, too. She covers the same distance in one step that it takes me two steps to cover. That's why we struggled to keep up with her"
Mrs. Lawal, impressed by Tosin's observations, nodded in agreement. "Impressive"
Tosin concluded, "While her legs boost her speed, making her able to cover distances faster than anyone else, her long arms boost her defense. Her jumps are normal. Mayowa jumps higher than Victoria. But Victoria's height gives her an edge. That's why she can reach and block most shots without jumping. However, I can't explain how she scored that three-pointer. Even I wasn't expecting it to go in. it's the first time I've seen a center score a three-pointer"
Shalom remarked, "The Victorious Varsity is full of monsters like her. And there still five more. To be the best, we have to beat those girls"
Mrs. Lawal's expression turned serious. "Victoria's defensive range covers the entire three-pointer area. She can stop any shot within that range. However, there is no defense in the world that doesn't have a hole. You just have to find it"
Energized by their coach's words, the Queens chorused, "Right!"
Tosin shared her thoughts on the third quarter, acknowledging their struggles but recognizing the value in facing a challenging opponent. "We couldn't score a single point in the third quarter. I know it's frustrating but I prefer this to the first half where we dominated and scored 65 points."
Eno agreed, "You are right."
United by their determination to find Victoria's weakness and capitalize on it, the Queens prepare to return to the court for the final quarter.
The Rose Newton High School Basketball Team's bench buzzed with anticipation as the plyers began to believe that a comeback was within their grasp. The energy was electric, and the determination on their faces was undeniable
Coach Bankole addressed his team, fueling their fire. "Good work out there, guys. There are ten minutes left in the game. Comebacks are made possible by the defense. If the defense is strong, comeback is possible. Our defense is solid, so let's win this!"
"Right!" the team responded in unison; their resolve unwavering
Acknowledging the efforts of one of his players, Coach Bankole said, "Feranmi, you did great today, but it's time to rest"
Feranmi, grateful for the praise, replied, "Thank you, Coach"
Looking to his bench, Coach Bankole called upon Chika, "It's time to shine"
With a smile on her face, Chika prepared to join the game, "I thought I wasn't going to play today. Well then, let's go say hi to an old friend, shall we?"
As both teams took their positions on the court, it was evident that the Rose Newton squad had made a few changes, unlike the Queens who maintained their lineup
The final quarter commenced with the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team in possession of the ball. Chika, now acting as their point guard, led the charge, with Fisayo switching to the small forward role. As they advanced towards the basket, Chika found herself face-to-face with Oluchi
"It's been a while, Oluchi," Chika said, flashing a smile
Caught off guard by Chika's greeting, Oluchi momentarily froze. Seizing the opportunity, Chika leaped into the air and unleashed a three-pointer. Thanks to Tosin yelling her name, Oluchi snapped out of her daze a second too late, watching helplessly as the ball sailed through the air and landed into the hoop with a satisfying swish
The Rose Newton High School Basketball Team's bench erupted in celebration, their spirits buoyed by Chika's quick thinking and swift execution.
The Queens, regaining possession of the ball, were caught off guard by the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team's sudden shift in strategy. They noticed that ever since Chika joined the game, their opponents had abandoned their full-court man-to-man defense
Oluchi, leading the charge, analyzed the situation as she dribbled the ball rhythmically. "Ever since Chika came in, they've stopped the full-court man-to-man defense. Is it because Tosin single-handedly broke through the defense at the end of the third quarter? Or do they have a different game plan with Chika around?" she pondered
Chika, guarding Oluchi, interrupted her thoughts. "Oluchi, aren't you happy to see the senior you once looked up to after all these years? Did you miss me?"
"Chika, what are you doing in Rose Newton? The last time we faced the Rose Newton, you were not in the squad," Oluchi questioned
"Oh, I wasn't a member of the team but I was a student who attended Rose Newton High School. I had given up on basketball so I normally hang out with the supporter club during matches. However, last year, I decided to play basketball in my final three years in secondary school," Chika explained
"I thought I'd never see you again, but here you are. Now I'm going to exert my revenge on you," Oluchi said, her anger surfacing
"Woah, wait a second. Are you still angry with me? I thought you had forgiven me," Chika responded, trying to diffuse the tension
"I will never forgive you, you traitor!" Oluchi declared as she attempted to dribble past Chika. However, the buzzer sounded, as the shot clock ran out, signaling a turnover
"Damn it!" Oluchi exclaimed, irritated by the mistake as she forcefully bounced the ball against the floor in frustration
"Oluchi, what's the matter with you? Are you alright?" Mercy inquired, concerned for her teammate
"It's nothing. I'm fine," Oluchi insisted, brushing off the question as the girls in white head back to defend
The game resumed with the Rose Newton in possession of the ball. Chika led the attack, but her advance was halted by Oluchi
"'Anger dulls the blade'. I taught you that, right?" Chika reminded Oluchi, sensing her agitation
"Yeah, right. But to beat you, a blunt blade is enough," Oluchi retorted, her frustration mounting
"I see," Chika sighed, understanding the depth of Oluchi's emotions. Chika then effortlessly dribbled past Oluchi with ease. Oluchi then chased after her, determined to stop her. Both players leaped into the air, Chika aiming to score while Oluchi tried to block her shot. In a desperate move, Oluchi fouled Chika in mid-air. Despite the foul, Chika managed to make the shot, the ball swishing into the net
The referee announced that the basket would be counted and an additional free throw was awarded, leaving Oluchi irritated
"You can't beat me, Oluchi," Chika said in a stern tone, putting on a serious expression, "Because, I am your nemesis"
Chika confidently stepped forward and sank the free throw, further reducing the Queens' lead
The Queens regained possession, and Oluchi took charge of the ball, leading the team forward. However, Chika stood firmly in her way, halting Oluchi's advance. Undeterred, Oluchi attempted to force her way through Chika's defense
"You are too slow" Chika commented as she skillfully stole the ball away from Oluchi, creating a fast break opportunity for the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team
Watching the event unfold, Tosin couldn't help but question Oluchi's actions. "Why does she insist on beating Chika in a one-on-one duel?" She muttered, knowing that their team's success hinged on working together
Seizing the opportunity, Chika charged down the court and soared through the air, unleashing a powerful slam dunk. The ball ripped through the net, bringing the Rose Newton even closer to their desired comeback. The Queens' lead now reduced to a mere 8 points
As the game progressed, the Queens desperately attempted to penetrate the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team's formidable defense. Despite their powerful attacks, renowned as some of the best in Nigeria, they couldn't find a way to break through the seemingly impenetrable wall their opponents had constructed
With just 8 seconds left on the clock, Fisayo took a chance and unleashed a three-pointer. The ball soared through the air, descending gracefully into the hoop. This pivotal shot pushed the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team into the lead with almost no time remaining
The Queens, now trailing by 66-65, had one last chance too score and secure victory. They passed the ball meticulously among themselves, wary of making any mistakes. As the shot clock ticked down to a mere two seconds, the ball found its way to Oluchi
Oluchi, her nerves frayed, glanced up at the clock and, acting on instinct, released the shot. All eyes were fixed on the ball as it followed a high, arcing trajectory through the air. Victoria, utilizing her height and long limbs, leaped to block the shot, but even her impressive reach couldn't overcome the unusual height of Oluchi's attempt
The final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game while the ball was still in the air. Everyone held their breath, knowing that the shot's outcome will determine the game's winner. As if suspended in time, the ball rolled along the rim for a nail-biting 17 seconds before finally falling out. The Rose Newton High School Basketball Team erupted in celebration; their 66-65 victory secure
In that final, desperate attack, Oluchi was struck by two undeniable truths. The first was that her last-second effort didn't change the outcome of the game. The second was that, she finally found the hole in the Rose Newton High School Basketball Team's solid defense as her shot's high arc made it impossible even for the talented Victoria to block, nearly earning her team their first-ever victory against the Rose Newton High School
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Flashback
Let's go back in time a little….
"There are only ten minutes left in the game, we have to get ready," she began. "But first, Tosin, this is your first game against Victoria. What do you think?"
Tosin, having faced Victoria for the first time, shared her observations with her teammates. "I'm faster than she is," she declared, prompting shock and disbelief from the entire team.
"What do you mean you're faster than Victoria?" Oluchi questioned, unable to believe Tosin's claim.
"That's the silliest joke I've ever heard," Shalom scoffed
Eno chimed in, "I'm aware you're the fastest on this team, but you saw it for yourself – none of us could keep up with her. Not even you"
Mrs. Lawal, recognizing the importance of Tosin's insight, urged the team to listen, "Guys, let's hear her out"
Tosin continued, "Victoria's arms are long. That alone gives her a huge advantage in defense. Consequently, she can reach most shots without jumping"
The team, shocked by Tosin's acute analysis, listened intently as she revealed more about their formidable opponents
"Wow, I can't believe you took note of that after just one quarter against her," Shalom marveled
"I'm afraid there's more," Tosin admitted
"What? There is more?" Oluchi's eyes widened in surprise
"It's not just her arms," Tosin continued, "Her legs are freakishly long, too. She covers the same distance in one step that it takes me two steps to cover. That's why we struggled to keep up with her"
Mrs. Lawal, impressed by Tosin's observations, nodded in agreement. "Impressive"
Tosin concluded, "While her legs boost her speed, making her able to cover distances faster than anyone else, her long arms boost her defense. Her jumps are normal. Mayowa jumps higher than Victoria. But Victoria's height gives her an edge. That's why she can reach and block most shots without jumping. However, I can't explain how she scored that three-pointer. Even I wasn't expecting it to go in. it's the first time I've seen a center score a three-pointer"
Shalom remarked, "The Victorious Varsity is full of monsters like her. And there still five more. To be the best, we have to beat those girls"
Mrs. Lawal's expression turned serious. "Victoria's defensive range covers the entire three-pointer area. She can stop any shot within that range. However, there is no defense in the world that doesn't have a hole. You just have to find it"
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Back to the present
It may seem that Oluchi had found this hole a tad too late. However, the battle line against the Victorious Varsity had only just been drawn