Damn Ball Hogs

*Sound Effects*

**Language**

'Thoughts'

"Dialogue"

Fortunately, my team secured a spot on the regular court. I despised the side courts due to the absence of markers for three-pointers. As the teams took shape, my squad donned plain red jerseys, contrasting with the opposing team's white attire. While slipping into my jersey, I stole a glance at Isaiah on the left side court, clad in a green jersey against the black-clad opponents. Observing him, I marveled as he assumed a triple threat position, leveraging his athleticism to blow past his defender and effortlessly sink a floater.

"Alright, Red will start with the ball. There's 5 minutes on the clock per quarter with 4 quarters. We'll keep it short since we have a lot of people," Coach Carter announced.

Upon hearing this, my attention shifted to a taller, white player, seemingly a freshman or sophomore with a baby face. He positioned himself at the top of the key, eagerly calling for the ball.

'Great, another ball hog,' I mused.

Taking possession, the tall kid entered a triple threat stance, feigning a move to the left. The defender, a slightly shorter white kid, bit the fake. Seizing the opportunity, the tall player drove right but encountered towering help defense. 'Bunch of damn trees, I tell you,' I thought, maneuvering from the right side to the middle, seeking an open pass as the kid faced the trap.

I gestured for the ball, positioning myself behind the trapped player. He locked eyes with me, attempting a fadeaway that missed off the left side of the backboard.

'Yep, another ball hog. Great...'

"Trevor, pass the ball!" another teammate on my team urged. They must know each other.

The opposing team secured the rebound and advanced beyond the three-point line. I found myself guarding a taller black kid, but I knew that with strategic defense, I could hold my ground. As their guard passed to the point, whom I was defending against, I positioned myself slightly off from the kid. Anticipating his fake shot, I observed how he placed his foot, signaling his intention to drive. Swiftly moving in the direction of his off foot, I intercepted his attempted drive, poking at his loose handle.

"Fuck!" the frustrated kid exclaimed. Most players remained focused and quiet.

Seizing possession, I began to dribble, quickly spotting a teammate breaking free and cutting to the basket from the right wing. Without looking, I sent a precise pass, allowing the recipient to secure an easy layup.

"Good pass!" he acknowledged, pointing towards me.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a make-it-take-it situation.

The white team inbounded the ball, attempting to create an opportunity. The ball found its way to the white kid guarded by Trevor. Trevor reached, resulting in the player shooting and making contact with Trevor's outstretched arm.

"AND1!" the kid yelled.

"Bullshit!" Trevor protested, convinced he hadn't fouled the kid.

"It's all good, get back on D," I encouraged him.

"Shut the fuck up, you midget!" Trevor retorted, leaving everyone in shock.

My expression hardened. 'Alright, you messed up.' I thought before ignoring him. I'm used to people calling me names so I don't really say much out loud. Instead I let my game speak for me.

After sinking two free throws, our team regained possession, with Trevor once again starting with the ball, much to the dismay of most of our team.

Trevor attempted to blow by the defender once more, but when help defense arrived, he abruptly stopped and pulled up for a shot. However, his momentum traveling right left him off-balance, causing the shot to miss to the right.

'This guy,' I thought, noticing the ball heading in my direction. Leaping with all my might, I grabbed the rebound from the right wing shot. Dribbling between my legs, I walked back to the three-point line, faced my defender, crossed left to right, sprinted right, slammed on the brakes, and dribbled left into a stepback three-pointer. The defender, trying to keep up and not appear lazy, bit hard on the fake, stumbling as I pulled up.

*Swish*

"Easy," I remarked.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A/N: I hope everyone is having a good time reading! As always, your feedback is highly valued. And for those who tend to hog the ball, at least make the basket, right? SMH.