The Queens continued to close the gap in the scores, their renewed teamwork and determination fueling their efforts. Tolu's leadership had breathed new life into the team, and they played with a fire that had been absent just moment before
"Hey, Mercy!" Tolu called out, seeking to pass the ball to her teammate. But the Falcons were quick to react, blocking the passing lanes and frustrating Tolu's attempts to set u-p a play.
Undeterred, Tolu scanned the court and spotted an opportunity. With a deft toss, she sent the ball sailing towards the opposite end
As the ball arced through the air, the Falcons' expression shifted from determination to terror as they realized who Tolu's target had been. "Nice pass, Tolu," Teni said with a devilish grin as she caught the ball and squared up for a shot. With a swift release, she launched a three-pointer that swished cleanly through the net, bringing the score to 65-60. The Queens on the court exchanged high-fives, while their teammates on the bench chanted Tolu's name in celebration
The game resumed with the Falcons in possession. Taiwo passed the ball to the frustrated Tombari, who was determined to regain control of the game. Driven by her irritation at the Queens' relentless push for a comeback, Tombari launched a fierce attack. But Tolu was ready, her defense stifling Tombari's progress
Desperate for an opening, Tombari scanned the court for a teammate to pass to, but the Queens' defense held strong. Left with no other option, Tombari decided to take matters into her own hands. Weighing her options, she knew that Tolu would likely steal the ball if she attempted to dribble past her. With just six seconds remaining on the shot clock, Tombari made her decision
"Your defense may be strong," Tombari taunted, "But all that means nothing if you can't stop my long-range shots. That's because you are short!"
With that, Tombari launched a three-pointer, only to watch her shot unexpectedly blocked by Teni, who had leapt off Tolu for the rejection
"What?!" Tombari snapped, her frustration mounting as Tolu grabbed and the Queens launched yet another fast break
"Thanks to Tolu, even Teni is cooperating," Mrs. Lawal thought to herself, her eyes fixed on the court. "The team is functioning well. We just need one more push. Please, Mercy…"
As if in response to her Coach's silent plea, Tolu passed the ball to Mercy, who wasted no time in launching a three-pointer. The ball however bounced off the rim, creating a frenzied rebounding battle. Mayowa saw her opportunity and leaped into the air, slamming the airborne ball into the hoop and bring the score to 65-62
As the game continued, the Falcons resumed play with a newfound determination. Tombari meticulously bounced the ball in front of Tolu, formulating a strategy in her mind. "Damn it, the Queens are tough. They must be better than they were last year if their reserve team is this good. We won't win this game if we don't lay out all our cards," she thought to herself
"Guys, let's take it easy," Tombari instructed her teammates, prompting a resounding chorus of agreement
On the Queens' bench, Mrs. Lawal noticed the change in the Falcons' attitude and smiled to herself. "Hm, interesting"
Oluchi, seated beside Mrs. Lawal, spoke up, "Seriously Coach, I think you should take Mercy off."
"Why?" Mrs. Lawal asked, raising her eyebrows
"There are less than three minutes left in the game, and she hasn't scored a single point. She's the only one with zero points in this game," Oluchi pointed out
Tosin, seated on the side of Oluchi, chimed in. "Oluchi, don't say that"
"Why are you taking her side?" Oluchi asked, turning to Tosin
"Because I know something none of you knows." Tosin replied, a hint of mystery in her voice
Oluchi's curiosity was piqued. "Oh? And what could that be, Miss-Know-It-All?"
Tosin smiled, "Mercy is one of a kind. She's hardworking and self-critical. She pushes herself to be better."
Oluchi raised an eyebrow in frustration, "That isn't making any sense. Everyone does that. It changes nothing"
Tosin smiled and shook her head. "That's right. Everyone does it, except Mercy takes it to a whole different level"
Shalom leaned in, intrigued, "What do you mean?"
Tosin's eyes locked onto Mercy's. "Mercy trains harder than everyone on our team. If there's anyone who can handle this, it's her."
Mrs. Lawal nodded in agreement and chimed in, "Tosin is right. Besides, I didn't mention this before the game started because I didn't want to put Mercy under pressure, but this game depends on Mercy. Her long-range shots are key"
Oluchi frowned as she was still unconvinced. "If we need long-range shots, we have Teni. Why do we need Mercy?"
Mrs. Lawal explains, "Oluchi, have you been watching this game at all? The opponents are wary of Teni, so they are not giving her many chances. To win this game, we need an unpredictable factor. Now, what if I tell you that in the remaining two and a half minutes left in this game, Mercy could end up with 12 points, would you believe?"
Oluchi shook her head, doubtful of the seemingly impossible feat. "That's crazy. It's impossible, even for Mercy,"
Mrs. Lawal smiled, "Oluchi, I'm sorry, but you are the starting point guard of a team that has shattered expectations time and times again. Have faith in your teammates and believe in the power of determination"
Just then, Tosin exchanged a knowing glance with Mercy. With a nod and a reassuring smile, Tosin conveyed her wordless message to her teammate, who smiled back, feeling a surge of confidence and resolve. Her eyes glinted with a newfound determination
"I'm the only child of my parents. My Dad is all I have left, and my mum?.... well, that's a topic for another day. I've been playing basketball since Nursery School but my love for the sport was ignited in high school thanks to my teammates at Charlie Queens Academy. I've always wanted to be the best at what I do. No, not the best player, but the best in my position. I've always aspired to excel in my position. However, each time a new transfer student joined our team, I found myself sidelined, as they were often better than me. At Charlie Queens Academy, things were going well until Teni showed up. In the past, I would have accepted my fate, staying on the bench without putting up a fight. This time, though, my love for basketball had grown too strong to ignore. That's why I was desperate to beat Teni and secure the starting shooting guard spot. But my desperation hasn't produced the desired results. Perhaps, it's time to let go…" Mercy mused, just a smile forming on her face
Suddenly, Tolu passed the ball to Mercy, who stood behind the three-point arc. Mercy's smile widened as she caught the pass, "Maybe it's time to let go….. of my worries," she thought, her confidence renewed
With a determined expression, Mercy unleashed a three-pointer. The ball soared through the air, seemingly suspended in time, capturing the attention of every spectator. The Queens' bench held its breath, and their collective prayers for Mercy's shot to finally find its mark hanging in the tense atmosphere
The arena fell into stunned silence as the ball swish cleanly through the hoop, leveling the score at 65-65. The Queens' bench erupted into a cacophony of celebration, players leaping from their seats in triumph. The spectators joined with their loud cheers
Mercy flung her clenched right fist into the air, elation coursing through her veins. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her cry of victory overshadowed by the cacophony of cheers emanating from the crowd
Observing Mercy's impressive shot, Tolu felt a surge of pride and relief. "Finally, she's back." Tolu thought a smile playing at her lips. "Alright, I'll have to keep up too."
The thunderous cheers from the spectators filled the arena, nearly drowning out all attempt at communication. The Queens had fought fiercely to close the gap, overcoming a staggering 27-point deficit from the first half of the game
Tombari, quietly bouncing the ball, grew increasingly irritated by the cheers, her annoyance culminating in a sudden three-pointer. The unexpected shot caught the Queens off guard, and the ball sailed through the hoop, silencing the entire arena as the Falcons pulled ahead with the score of 68-65
"I refuse to lose, especially to a team that isn't giving their all!" Tombari declared, her determination unwavering
Tolu, provoked by Tombari's statement, took her position as the game resumed with the Queens in possession.
"What?" Tolu snapped, "Double teams on Teni and Mercy, leaving the inside completely vulnerable. You guys are so desperate to stop our threes that you are willing to sacrifice your paint?"
Tombari, unperturbed, replied "It's a small price to pay for victory"
"But, that doesn't necessarily stop our attacks," Tolu continued, bouncing the ball rhythmically, "We can still score from the inside. Isn't that suicidal?"
"Feel free to attack," Tombari said with a smile, her confident evident, "I don't mind"
Over at the Queens' bench, Mrs. Lawal observed the situation on the court with a smile, "Interesting," she muttered
"What is it, Coach?" Chioma inquired, curiosity piqued
"Their three-point lead gives them a significant advantage," Mrs. Lawal explained, "Because, as long as we can't score a three-pointer, we can't close the gap. Even if we score at will from the inside, they can always counterattack. To put it bluntly, if we don't score three-pointers, we will lose this game. It's a clever move but highly risky."
As if responding to Mrs. Lawal, Miss Kess chimed in, "Well, as the old saying goes, NO RISK, NO REWARD"
Panic began to set in among the Queens' bench following their coach's explanation. "What do we do now, coach?" Oluchi asked, her voice laced with worry
"Relax, girls," Mrs. Lawal assured them. "They may think they have us trapped but they've underestimated the Queens. I have faith in my girls!"
Back on the court, both Teni and Mercy found themselves guarded by two players each. As the shot clock hit eight seconds, Mercy retreated a few steps from the arc. "Here!" she called out, prompting Tolu to toss the ball in her direction. The double team's pressure ease as Mercy stood near half-court
In a stunning display of skill, Mercy launched a shot from half-court, shocking both friends and foes alike. The ball sailed cleanly through the net, eliciting gasps from the entire arena as the score was leveled once more at 68-68
The arena once again erupted with noise and excitement in response to Mercy's incredible shot. While the Queens and spectators celebrated the impressive display of skill, Tosin remained composed, standing up with a straight face. "Guys! There isn't much time left. Switch to plan B and finish the game already!" she commanded, drawing all attention to herself
"Yes, Captain!" the Queens on the court responded in unison, grinning with anticipation
The Queens swiftly transitioned into their signature full-court man-to-man defense, applying immense pressure on their opponents. As the game continued, the Falcons lost possession, allowing Mercy to sink yet another three-pointer, propelling the Queens into the lead at 68-71.
Mercy's hot streak continued as she nailed two more consecutive three-pointers, widening the gap to a commanding 68-77
The Falcons' struggles persisted, and Tolu capitalized on their mistake and passed the ball to Teni, who attempted a three-pointer of her own. However, Kehinde disrupted the shot with her fingertips, causing the ball to bounce off the rim. Mayowa beat Charity to the rebound and swiftly passed it to Tolu, who located Mercy with a quick one-touch pass. Mercy unleashed another three-pointer, the ball sailing through the hoop just as the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game and sealing the Falcons' fate as their years of disappointment continues. With the final score of 68-80, the Queens emerged victorious and advanced to the quarter finals of the playoffs
"I said Mercy would score 12 points, but you claimed it was impossible. Mercy not only proved you wrong, but exceeded my prediction, scoring a total of 18 points. And she did it all in the final two minutes of the game. Right, Oluchi?" Mrs. Lawal said
Oluchi nodded, still taken aback by Mercy's performance. "She certainly surprised me. Now I'm left wondering who will be our starting shooting guard. Teni remains our best shooter, though"
Mrs. Lawal, unfazed, and responded, "We'll see how things develop. I'm focused on the future, and Mercy has tremendous potentials and room for growth"
As Mrs. Lawal watched Tosin celebrating alongside Tolu and Mercy, she couldn't help but feel impressed by Tosin's leadership skills. "Even from the bench, she was able to guide the team to victory," she mused, recognizing the valuable role Tosin played in their success