The Other Side of Me

Chapter 19: End of Elimination Round

Third Person POV

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the hardwood floors of Notre Dame High's gymnasium, illuminating the freshly polished court where the Anglers' fate would soon be decided. Banners fluttered gently from the rafters, each one telling tales of past glories and legends. The air was thick with anticipation, a buzzing energy that could be felt from the bleachers to the locker rooms deep within the school's labyrinthine corridors.

In the Anglers' locker room, the atmosphere was a mix of nervous excitement and steely determination. Ten young women sat on benches lining the walls, their faces a canvas of emotions—some wore tight smiles, others furrowed brows. They were the pride of St. James High, a team that had clawed its way through adversity to stand on the brink of the semi-finals. Minor injuries from their grueling last game lingered like shadows, but today was not a day for excuses.

Head Coach Nong stood before them, a clipboard in one hand and a whistle dangling from her neck. Her eyes swept over her team, taking in every taped ankle and bandaged wrist. Beside her stood Assistant Coach Faye, her expression a blend of concern and confidence. Together, they had nurtured this group of athletes from hopeful novices into a cohesive unit ready to take on any challenge.

"Ladies," Coach Nong began, her voice firm yet warm, "we've faced tougher odds before. Injuries heal, but regrets last forever. Today, we leave everything on the court."

Assistant Coach Faye nodded, stepping forward. "Remember our game plan. Stick to the fundamentals, communicate, and trust each other. You've got this."

Love, the team's captain and point guard, stood up. Her left knee was wrapped tightly—a souvenir from a nasty fall in the previous game. "We've come too far to let anything stop us now," she said, her eyes meeting each of her teammates'. "Let's play our game and show Assumption what the Anglers are made of."

The room erupted in a chorus of agreement. The team huddled together, arms intertwined, as they chanted their motto: "One team, one dream!"

The Players:

1. Love - Point Guard, Captain

2. Becky - Shooting Guard

3. Yoko- Small Forward

4. Ling - Power Forward

5. Milk - Center

6. Charlotte - Guard/Forward

7. Orm - Forward

8. Marissa - Guard

9. Bam - Forward/Center

10. Noom - Guard

As they made their way to the court, the roar of the crowd grew louder. Students, parents, and faculty filled the stands, their faces painted in the school's colors of blue and silver. The school band played a spirited fight song, drums pounding in sync with the heartbeat of every player.

On the opposite side, Assumption High's team was warming up, their movements sharp and calculated. They were known for their aggressive play and had been a thorn in the Anglers' side for years. Today's game was more than just a ticket to the semifinals; it was a battle for pride and redemption.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the teams to take their positions. Milk stepped into the center circle, her frame towering over most players. Across from her stood Assumption's star center, Vanessa King—a formidable opponent known for her shot-blocking prowess.

The ball was tossed into the air, and Milk leaped with every ounce of strength she had, her fingers grazing the ball just enough to tip it back to Love. The game was underway.