THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING

Jaxon saw his colleagues gathering around Coach Davis as he stood in the Westbrook gym. He was gripping the basketball with both hands at the same moment. The stakes were higher at this stage, and tension was beginning to mount.He knew this was more than just another practice day; it was the start of something greater—a trial to see if he has the qualities required to run the team. Apart from talent, being the Alpha required a specific attitude, a relentless resolve, and the capacity to seize control of the circumstances when everything else was collapsing.First Notes at Westbrook Apart from being a basketball powerhouse, Westbrook University was a nursery for the very finest of the very best. Jaxon knew he no longer was the finest of the best the minute he set foot in a campus. There was intense competitiveness as every athlete in this room had put great effort to secure their spot.Jaxon came to see for the first time in years that he was surrounded by sportsmen who might either e

Though Jaxon saw it for what it was—a direct threat to his supremacy—rumor had it that Liam was brought in to increase the team's chances at the championship.Liam had established himself as a strong competitor, a player who never wavered from a court battle. He was dangerous rather than merely good. He was also now on Jaxon's team.The triumph over the Riverdale Wildcats had galvanized the squad, and Jaxon felt joy in guiding Westbrook toward its first significant season victory. Everyone on the university was talking about the game, and Jaxon's name kept coming up. Still, he understood this was only the beginning much as much he enjoyed the victory.The road to become the actual Alpha would not be simple, and the next test was already just around the bend.Enter Liam Carter.The news rocked the team like a bombshell the day following their victory: Westbrook had signed Liam Carter, a transfer from a competing university known for his aggressive play and unquestionable to introduce L

Jaxon completed his third hour of solo workouts and could hear sneakers squeaking on the smooth parquet around the gym. Though his muscles hurt, sweat streamed down his cheeks and he was unrelenting. Practice had finished hours ago, but Jaxon stayed behind resolved to improve every element of his game.The season was flying by, and with every triumph the weight of expectations got more weight.Jaxon had always been totally committed; basketball had been his life; success was the only choice. But lately, that emphasis had veered. Maintaining his Alpha status, ongoing rivalry with Liam, and unresolved conflict with Maya ate at his attention.Though he had successes, he continued to feel as though something more was eluding him.But tonight none of that counted. Tonight there was only him, the ball, and the sound of the net swishing with every ideal stroke. Here he felt under control, where everything made sense. He might drown out the uncertainties and diversions here. He was staring at

Jaxon was walking off the court when he still could hear the din of the crowd. Another triumph under his belt, but instead of the customary sensation of success, he carried weight. The success he had been pursuing for so long was beginning to show negative effects.Being the Alpha of the team meant more than just guiding them to success; it also meant daily proving oneself. And every game the tension was getting more difficult to overlook.Jaxon experienced the soreness deep in his muscles while seated in the locker room following the game. He was physically wearing the season. Every leap, every run, every contact with another player seemed to stay longer in his body than it had before.Though he had always pushed himself to the edge, now his body seemed to be starting to rebel. Stretching his legs, he winced at the hamstrings' tightness. The trainer had cautioned him he was overworking himself and he should relax.But just how could he stop?The team looked on him to guide them tow

The sound of the basketball thudding the floor filled the arena. Jaxon Hayes was wiping perspiration from his forehead from central court. His heart hammered from the weight of expectation as much as from the workouts. Juxon, the team's current "Alpha," knew every eye in the room was focused on him. This was about keeping his domination, not just about basketball.Flashback: Modest Starting Point Juxon's ascent had not been simple. Coming from a difficult area, the basketball floor had been his haven. Every spare minute was used to improve his speed, jump shot, ability to understand the game, etc. For him, it was survival not simply a game. On and off the court he had to be the greatest, the strongest, the "Alpha".The Rival Tonight's practice was about confronting Liam Carter, not just about getting ready for the first game of the season. the brash rookie having a reputation for regularly showing the veterans. Liam was hungry, not just competent. His movement on the floor, the way he