After winning their first game in March Madness, the team was on their way to North Carolina for the sweet 16 competition against Duke. Everyone knew that this game was a competitive one. With UConn only dressing 8 player due to many members injuries it was more pressure for the five to get this win for the team. Rylee in particular felt this pressure more than anyone. Everyone was looking at her to bring home the Win.
The game recap: UConn has decided to dress eight of its player but only played 6 due to an injury Clark sustained during the 3rd quarter. Clark the leading scorer scored 28 points while Beckers scored 24 and Nika scoring 1 point . With UConn's injury depleted roster, Clark and Bueckers lead their team back to the Elite Eight with a victory of 53-45 against number 7 seed Duke.
The plane ride
Paige: move over your taking up almost all three seats and I'm sitting in one of them. For someone so short you take up a lot of room
Rylee: Hey, I do not. Your lap just makes for a good foot rest and besides you have to be kind to your coming out of injury girlfriend.
Paige: Oh do I, the last time I checked you were cleared to play a week ago
Rylee: Well just let me be comfortable because you love me
Paige: Fine, only because you asked so nicely
Nika: Wow is the Paige Bueckers allowing Rylee to invade your space
Paige: Nika, don't you have homework to do
Nika: Yeah, but annoying you is so much more fun
Rylee: Do you think there will be a huge crowed
Nika: of course, have you not been reading the articles? Everyone is watching to see if we'll go further. Plus they are itching to see the Clark vs Clark match up if both teams win
Rylee: I'm honestly scared for that, I hate being pined up against family
Paige: But Ry your skills will be enough for you to do what you need to do to on the court
Rylee: I guess, how do you deal with the pressure
Paige: I try to ignore it, knowing its just one game and not a life defining game helps
Nika: Yeah, you have to understand they are all spectators, they have no clue who we are as people besides what we allow them to see
Rylee: That's true you guys always know how to clam my nerves
Rylee's POV:
As we are walking to the gym to get warmed up, I can't help but feel that the more we progress into March Madness the more people are looking at me. I guess Paige and Nika are right, I can't let it consume me because they don't know anything about us. I can only hope to pull out a win not for just me but for coach
Post Game interview on the court with Rylee:
Liz: I am here with Rylee Clark, how are you doing. Tell me how it feels to got to the elite eight
Rylee: It's amazing, nothing would have been possible without my other teammates
Liz: We saw you get hit in the nose from a block, tell me what was going on when you ran off the court
Rylee: Yeah, accidents like this happen in the game. I just broke my nose about 8 weeks ago so it's still pretty tender and so when I took the elbow to the nose I know I just had to get it taped and get back out on the floor. How do I look.
Liz: Still great. You had 28 points today, can you tell me what goes through you mind when you have these high scoring games
Rylee: I'm not going to lie, I've been putting in the work at the gym and working on those three's
Liz: How does being on a college team been?
Rylee: It's been great. I love my teammates and have personal relationships with everyone on the team. I just love them and would do anything for them.
Liz: Thank you I'll let you get back to celebrating with your team.
Later that night in the hotel
Paige: You killed it today Clark, I mean tape job and all
Rylee: Thanks Paige, I guess I really do need that nose job after the season ends
Paige: I love your nose Ry please don't change it (Paige touches Rylee's nose and then kisses it)
Rylee: Well unfortunately I inherited the Clark nose thanks to my father but I promise I won't make crazy changes to it.
Paige: You've got jokes Clark, Ill give you that
Rylee: Thanks but don't tell Caitlin that, do you think that will make it to final 4 and go against them?
Paige: I think with you and me out there we can Win it all
Rylee: I guess I'm just afraid that people will pin us up against each other and then pick sides. Like I know it will happen but the media sometimes blows things out of proportion and I know Caitlin, she hates losing. I just don't want to let the public down or the team but I also don't want to crush Caitlin's dreams of winning a national championship. You know they say she isn't a true basketball GOAT if she hasn't won a natty. I'm just afraid I might lose it all
Paige: You'll never lose me or the team. Sometimes it's ok to be selfish and go for it. I think she would hate it more if you gave it to her, than let it all out on the court. Plus you are family, sisters for life bonded together till the end of time. I highly doubt that she'll hate you
Rylee: Your right, I guess the media is too much sometimes, especially now with all eyes on us
Paige: I know it can be hard, but they don't know anything about us or about who we are as people besides what the share with the press. It's your story Rylee, so write it
Meanwhile ESPN had just released an article
Clark vs Clark
As we get into the elite eight both UConn and Iowa have made it, meaning we are closer than ever to the long awaited Clark vs Clark showdown. Many comparing this to the Kelce rivalry, the question is who will come out on top. My predictions is Iowa as they have had a great season this year and UConn only dressing 8 player leaves UConn with little wiggle room if it all goes wrong. Rylee Clark who has had a stellar first year and is predicted to be player of the year following in her teammates Paige Bueckers steps has shown the hunger for the title. However it is Caitlin Clark's who is rising in fame to become the G.O.A.T at women's basketball close to breaking Sue Bird's record. This is the NCAA's first sibling's showdown and people are placing their bets, so don't forget to make your choice and see what the future holds for both Rylee and Caitlin Clark.
AN: Kinda a filler chapter, but if y'all have some ideas let me know
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Innocent strangers
FanfictionWhat if Caitlin Clark had a younger sister who was also a basketball prodigy, some even saying better than Caitlin. Except Rylee Clark accomplished what Caitlin didn't and that's playing for uconn. How will she do as a freshman, will she succeed or...
