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Chapter 12: An Unlikely Mentor
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THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 13: A New Challenge
Jaxon showed up for practice the following day still hearing Derek's remarks. His talks with his brother had changed something inside of him, but he wasn't sure exactly where to start. Weeks of training had gone toward facing Liam one-on-one, but now Coach Davis was adding a fresh twist that had Jaxon wondering what was ahead.Coach stood in front of the group as they assembled, his face austere.Coach said, "Change of plans." "I have chosen to test you both differently instead of the one-on-one game. This test is about showing you can highlight the best in your colleagues, collaboration, and leadership.Jaxon gave Liam a quick look, who was similarly perplexed."I'm dividing the team in two squads," Coach said. "Jaxon, one will be yours to captain. You will captain the other, Liam.You will have to choose your partners very wisely. Every side will play a full-court match; the winner will guide us into the playoffs.Jaxon felt his heart accelerate. This was about who could motivate,
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 14: Heart vs. Ambition
Once again, Jaxon's phone buzzed; Maya's message shining on the screen: We have to speak. It is crucial. Heart pounding, he fixed his gaze on the book. After everything that had transpired in the gym—the shocking choice Coach made to name Liam co-captain—Jaxon doubted he could manage further ambiguity.But Maya was his heart; the one constant presence even when he hadn't merited it. And now he felt a great weight from something deeper.He gave her a rapid reply: Where would you want to meet?Right at the café. I should be there in ten minutes.Thoughts whirling in his brain, Jaxon grabbed his backpack and left the gym.A tense reunion A few minutes early, Jaxon arrived to the café; his tummy was wriggling with anxiety. Maya was seated at a corner table with hands around a warm cup of coffee. Her face inscrutable, she glanced up as he came nearer.Jaxon replied, sliding onto the seat across from her."Hey," Maya said, her voice kind yet firm.They sat in quiet for a minute, their uns
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 15: Courting the Press
The following morning Jaxon showed up at the gym still troubled by Derek's enigmatic message. His brother had said just that it was "important," and that Jaxon should be ready for something unexpected. He had not elaborated much.Jaxon wasn't sure how much more "unexpected" he could tolerate with everything Maya had gone through and the approaching playoffs. But as soon as he entered, he was assaulted by low buzz of whispers and dazzling lights from cameras. Local and national reporters crowded the bleachers, cameras pointed on the court like ravenous vultures awaiting the next great scoop.His heart dropped.
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 16: The King of the Court
Jaxon sat outside Coach Davis's office, his head whirling after the press conference. Maya's unannounced support had rocked him, but not in a negative manner. She had showed there, sticking by him even as the media crowded, instead of the usual draw away after everything. Jaxon could not, however, avoid the fact Maya had left unsettled.She thought about him, but her tolerance would not endure indefinitely.And now Jaxon felt a knot developing in his gut as Coach called him for a "big talk." What possible future direction may this lead?The Discussion with Coach Coach's office door opened and Jaxon walked inside. Coach Davis sat behind his desk, his face austere yet firm. Bracing himself for whatever was about to happen, Jaxon sat.Coach remarked, slanted forward, "Thanks for coming." "We have a situation and I need your concentration."Jaxon nodded, but his nerves were still fraying. "What's going on?"Coach fanned his hands over the desk. "We are suddenly in a different frame. The
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 17: Betrayal in the Ranks
As the squad got ready for the playoffs, the gym seemed charged. With every session, Jaxon could feel the strain building; yet, despite his concentration on Andre Harper and the Stonebridge Lions, something else was chewing at him—an anxiety he could not control. It was something deeper, a feeling that not everything was as it appeared within the squad, not just the weight of being a co-captain beside Liam.Anxiety Indices It began gently at first, missed passes, muted remarks in the locker room, and odd looks passed between a few players. Though he couldn't pinpoint it, Jaxon sensed a change in the team's chemistry—one he had not seen until recently. Usually one of Jaxon's most dependable teammates, Zane was sluggish to answer calls and defensive directions throughout practice.Concern on his face, Jaxon went over to Zane after practice. "Everything's good, man? You seem weird today.Zane stopped for a while then shrugged half-heartedly. Indeed, all great. Simply fatigued.But Jaxon
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 18: Under Pressure
Under the streetlight outside the gym, Jaxon stood as his pulse surged in response to Josh's remarks. Ahead of the playoffs, his colleagues had been providing Andre Harper, the Stonebridge Lions' top player inside knowledge. The treachery went beyond Jaxon could have dreamed. It was about sabotage, not just about losing confidence in his leadership."Why would they engage in this?" Jaxon inquired, his voice tinged with incredulity and rage.Josh rocked his head. Zane has been annoyed for some time. Andre gave him something—probably promised him notoriety or an opportunity to show himself—but he believes we cannot win with you and Liam co-captains.The rest of the lads simply followed.Clutching his fists, Jaxon battled to control his wrath. This was an assault on the team's future directly, not just a betrayal. The playoffs were everything, hence Andre's advantage before the game may cost them what they had fought for.Jaxon muttered, his head whirling, "We cannot let this happen." A
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 19: Facing the Fire
Jaxon sat in Coach Davis's office, the weight of the official complaint from the league crushing down on him like tons of bricks. Should the allegation that a member of their squad had been providing information to the Stonebridge Lions come to light, the whole club may be kicked from the playoffs. In a few days, everything they had worked for—all Jaxon had given—could be destroyed."Who do you suppose is behind it?" Breaking the quiet, the coach questioned.Jaxon's head whirled over the options. Although Zane had previously decided to stop interacting with Andre, had it been too late? Is someone else still supplying information?The time was running and the stakes had lately been upped beyond their historical level. Jaxon said, scratching his head, "I'm not sure." "But Andre's going to win before we even walk on the court if we don't find it soon."The coach nodded, his expression stern. "To find the truth of this, Liam and you are needed. I will handle the league; we cannot afford
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 20: Another Rivalry Brewing
As Jaxon read the lines on the letter in his hands, his heart hammered. The league had lately told him of an unexpected turn of events: a special tournament was scheduled along with the playoffs. For college scouts, this was a unique chance to get additional exposure to elite prospects by closely examining high school players all throughout the nation.Coach Davis continued, his voice laden with innuendo, " Looks like we're not done yet." "This tournament will draw talent from all around, and there will be some fierce competition."Jaxon folded the letter as his thoughts flew. Now he and his team would be pushed into a high-stakes tournament where they would face not just teams from their area but also some of the best basketball schools throughout the nation, as if the playoffs were insufficient pressure. A fresh contender Liam stepped over as Jaxon handled the news, his expression a mixture of enthusiasm and resolve."So, we have more rivalry?" Liam inquired, his tone keen with ex
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THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 20: Another Rivalry Brewing
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 19: Facing the Fire
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 18: Under Pressure
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 17: Betrayal in the Ranks
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 16: The King of the Court
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 15: Courting the Press
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 14: Heart vs. Ambition
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 13: A New Challenge
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 12: An Unlikely Mentor
