A standard U.S. high school basketball game is consists of four quarters, with each quarter lasting only 8 minutes.
--MittyMonarchs 12 - 9 Summit Skyhawks--
End of the first quarter, the players made their way to their own respective benches for a 5-minute break.
"Great job out there. All of you kept your composure after their run." Coach TK praised his players. "Lucas, good shot. Keep it up."
"Thanks, coach."
"Colin, you controlled the pace well. I'll rest you for now to save some stamina for the second half. Kyle, you're in for Colin."
"Yes, coach." Kyle replied.
"Brent, you take a break as well. Jason, sub in for him."
"Got it, coach."
"Here's what we'll do: for offense, Kyle and Aaron will lead the plays. Give them screens or get to your spots when they penetrate the paint. Brandon, you will help Aaron get the rebounds for second chance points."
"In defense, we'll go for a 2-3 zone. Aaron, you will help protect the rim with Brandon. Jason intercept the passes to Dorian."
"I'll do it." Jason eagerly responded.
"Lucas, if you're open don't hesitate to shoot."
"Yes, coach." He nods.
The buzzer sounded as the coach finished his instructions. The second quarter starts.
Brandon passed the ball to Kyle who dribbled it across the court.
"Aaron" He called for their star player.
Aaron came and received the ball from the right wing. Without hesitation, he instantly attacked the basket. The player defending him wasn't able to do anything but gasped for air as Aaron bulldozed his way to the rim. Even with the timely help from Dorian, Aaron made the lay-up look effortless.
"Man, you're a monster!" Lucas shouted.
'This guy is playing like a pro against high school players.' He thought while laughing.
"Too easy, too easy." Aaron replied casually.
It was. Most of the time when Aaron got the ball, he scored. And Lucas, upon seeing this, decided to ride the wave. Every single time he received the ball, he passed to Aaron.
The beast was unleashed.
Aaron scored from everywhere in the court: a pull-up from mid-range, a wing 3-pointer and a dunk on traffic. He was in the "zone" Lucas got 3 assists from 4 passes to Aaron. His Dimer (bronze badge) also gave his teammate a 10% added shot percentage.
But they haven't fully pulled away from the Skyhawks, because from the other side Dorian Cason was wrecking havoc too.
It was a back and forth between him and Aaron for 5 minutes. Two underage players balled out like grown men.
-Archbishop Mitty 23 - 16 Fontana Summit-
Lucas was subbed out in the 2:53 minute-mark of the quarter.
"You made excellent passes. I honestly didn't expect that from you. I'm surprised. Great job, Lucas." The coach said to him.
"Thanks, coach." Lucas smiled.
He sat on the far end of the bench and was about to open the system but his teammate Colin Wan interrupted him.
"Hey Lucas, where's the girl Aaron said you've been checking out?" Colin asked.
"Bro, I thought we'll just talk about it after the game?" Lucas asked in return.
"It's not like we'll be doing anything here on the bench. And we'll keep it quiet, so coach won't hear us. Come on, where is she?" Colin whispered.
"There, the blonde girl on the stands just behind their mascot." He pointed at Gigi.
"Damn, that girl is fine." Colin said excitedly.
"I know who that is." Brent chimed in. "Her name is Andrea. She plays volleyball."
"She's not a cheerleader?" Colin asked.
"No, she's not. But check this, her dad was offered a head coaching job for our school's football team."
"And how do you know about that?" Lucas asked suspiciously.
"A girl I'm messaging is her teammate. Also, I heard that she is transferring to our school this year with her cousin."
"Really?" Lucas and Colin asked in unison.
"Yes, so Lucas, if you're interested in her you'll get your chance in your junior year."
Lucas was about to reply but they got reprimanded by the coach.
"Be quiet and focus on the game. We're in the state championship." The coach cut in.
"Yes, coach." The trio replied awkwardly.
There's less than a minute left in the second quarter. The score is now 27 - 19.
Mitty has possession. Aaron played iso ball. But he was trapped by three players on his drive and before he could find the open man, the ball was stolen. He was forced to foul the player to stop the fast break.
"Not so tough now, are you?" A Summit guard taunted him.
"Shut up. You can only gang up on me." Aaron retorted.
"That's 'cause you're a ball hog." The player mocked him.
"What'd you say to me n****?" Aaron yelled and got in his face.
Brandon and his other teammates hurriedly pulled him back.
The referee separated the players but didn't give any technical foul. He only warned them to "cut it out" and stop delaying the game.
The Monarchs had a foul to give so the other team just inbounded the ball. The Skyhawks point guard made a great play and delivered a behind the back pass but the shooter missed the shot horribly.
Aaron rebounded the ball and went on a coast-to-coast fast break. An athletic player from the opposing team chased him down the court.
"You'll gonna get blocked." The defender forewarned him mockingly.
"No, I'll put you on a poster like what I did to your teammate." Aaron countered.
The two players jumped at the same time. Aaron went for the dunk and his opponent wanted to swat the ball eagerly. But he hit Aaron's wrist instead and got floored. Aaron missed the dunk and the ball flew in the air but he was awarded two free throws.
"Damn it. Next time, it'll be on your head." Aaron cursed.
His opponent glared at him with eyes full of anger and frustration then got up quickly. This is the same guy who got faked out by Lucas in the first quarter.
Aaron went to the line and shot his free throws. He made both of them.
The first half ended without any other made baskets. The halftime score is 29 - 19.
Mitty Boys are now halfway to win State.