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
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
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
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
Jaxon strolled over the small alleys of his former area, trainers scuffing against the broken pavement. He was met like ghosts from his past by the familiar sights of dilapidated buildings and faded streetlights. This was the beginning—the location basketball had been his only means of escape.The thud of a basketball bouncing nearby drew him back from his thoughts and reminded him of the lad he used to be: hungry, driven, and ready to face the world. In the past Jaxon had the heart but had not been the tallest or strongest child. His playground was the local courts, and he developed a reputation for a strong work ethic very fast.At first, the older lads shoved him about, laughing at the skinny child attempting to bring them on. Jaxon never gave up, though. Every game was a fight, and he battled for every point like life or death. When his father had left Jaxon and his mother to fend for themselves at barely eight, he had gone out.Jaxon spent his afternoons at the court as his mot
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
The crowd was humming with expectancy. As the players warmed up, the lights scorched down on the polished court creating lengthy shadows of the players. For Jaxon, game day—the first major game of the season—was more than simply a scheduled event.This was the opportunity he had been waiting for—the chance to show to everyone—including himself—that he qualified as Alpha.Jaxon watched his buddies go through their pregame rituals close to the sidelines. His heart accelerated with enthusiasm rather than with anxiety. This was where he flourished—under the brilliant lights—while pressure was rising.Familiar and soothing even were the sound of shoes squeaking on the parquet and the scent of perspiration. Still, this was a different game. It was the first trial of whether all the effort, all the gym hours would be worth.The opponents are the rivals. The Riverdale Wildcats, their rivals, lacked push-overs. Champions last year, they were well-known for their fierce defense and quick attack
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