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Chapter 19: Facing the Fire
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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
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 2: From the Court to the Streets
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
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 3: The Making of an Alpha
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 BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 4: The First Big Game
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
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 5: A Rival Emerges
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
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 6: Winning Isn’t Enough
Celebration was loud in the locker room. After landing another fiercely contested triumph, Westbrook's team was riding high on adrenaline. Clapping one other on the rear, players yelled and laughed as they revisited pivotal game events.But the excitement of winning felt strangely empty to Jaxon.Quietly seated on the bench, he stared at the floor with a towel thrown over his shoulders. Though his body groaned with tiredness, his mind was elsewhere. Though the squad had prevailed, something was chewing at him—an unpleasant sensation that had been developing since Liam arrived.Today, winning was insufficient. Not to him.Internal strife: The price of rivalry Though Jaxon knew he should be celebrating with his colleagues, the conflict with Liam had eclipsed everything. Their strained chemistry had exhausted him even as it had driven him to lead with more vigor and to play harder. Every victory seemed like a little respite from the ongoing struggle for supremacy.Like usually, Liam was
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 7: Eyes on the Prize
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
THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 8: Sparks Off the Court
After yet another demanding drill, the gym's air had finally calmed down, but Jaxon's mind was far from quiet. One thing was the game he was playing on the court; yet, he couldn't relax the strain off the court. Their competition had something personal in it, something more than just athletics; the fire between him and Liam was about something else.Jaxon saw Maya waiting close by the doors as he was leaving the locker area. She was reading through her phone when she noticed him; her heart skipped a beat. She grinned.Though they had decided to sort things out, there was still an unsaid barrier between them. He had not seen much of her since their previous chat. The Unspoken Words Jaxon called "Maya," walking up, his voice still weighed with tiredness.She raised a sweet but wary smile.Hi Jaxon. Tucking a piece of hair under her ear, she asked, "How's it going?" Jaxon could see she was wary, not sure where they stood following the ups and downs of the past few weeks.Jaxon groaned
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THE BASKETBALL ALPHA KING Chapter 20: Another Rivalry Brewing
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