Semifinal Preparations

The buzz around the courts reached a fever pitch as the semifinal round drew closer. Teams and spectators alike moved between the games, talking strategy or catching their breath. But away from the action, near the organizers' tent at the edge of the park, Tim Hardaway leaned against a table, watching the scene unfold with a thoughtful expression.

Next to him stood the tournament organizer, a stout man named Reggie, clipboard in hand. Reggie adjusted his baseball cap and let out a low whistle as he surveyed the remaining teams. "Man, these kids are really leaving it all out there today," he said, glancing at Hardaway.

Hardaway nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That's Chicago for you. You put a ball in their hands, and they'll fight like it's the NBA Finals. Some of these kids have real potential."

"Anyone catching your eye so far?" Reggie asked, leaning in slightly.

Hardaway folded his arms, his gaze scanning the courts. "A few. That Red Hawks team? They're raw, but they've got something. That kid Lucas—calm under pressure, doesn't force plays. And his big man, Jaylen, is solid on the boards. Miguel's got handles for days, but he's still learning when to let the ball go."

Reggie chuckled. "Sounds like you've been scouting them hard."

Hardaway grinned. "Can't help it. It's in my blood. Besides, you never know—one of these kids might be the next big thing."

Reggie tapped his clipboard. "Well, they're gonna need more than potential to get through the semifinals. Matchups are already set. You wanna see who's playing who?"

"Let's take a look," Hardaway said, stepping closer.

Reggie flipped through his papers, pointing to the U14 bracket. "First semifinal: Red Hawks versus the Chi-Town Wolves. Second semifinal: Windy City Kings versus the Southside Storm. It's gonna be a battle."

Hardaway let out a low whistle. "Chi-Town Wolves, huh? That team's no joke. They've got that shooter, the one who doesn't miss if you leave him open. Red Hawks are gonna have their hands full."

Reggie nodded. "Yup. And the Kings? They're the favorites for a reason. Big guy in the middle, sharp shooters, solid all around. But don't sleep on the Storm—they've got that full-court press that wears teams down."

Hardaway chuckled, shaking his head. "This is gonna be good."

Meanwhile, over at the bracket board, Lucas and his teammates crowded around with the other remaining teams to see the updated matchups.

"Red Hawks versus… Chi-Town Wolves," Lucas read aloud, his brows furrowing slightly.

Jaylen let out a low whistle. "That's the team with the sharpshooter, right? Kid was hitting everything in the quarterfinals."

Miguel crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "Yeah, I saw him. He's good, but he's not unguardable. We just have to make sure he doesn't get comfortable."

Lucas nodded, already thinking about the game plan. "Jaylen, you'll have to switch out to contest his shots if he comes off screens. Miguel and I will handle the guards, but we'll need your help on rotations."

"Got it," Jaylen said, his expression calm but focused.

Nearby, the Chi-Town Wolves were having a quiet conversation of their own.

Their sharpshooter, a wiry kid named Marcus, leaned casually against the fence, spinning a ball on his fingertip. "Red Hawks, huh? They're the ones who hit that game-winner in the quarters, right?"

"Yeah," said another player, a stocky forward with a no-nonsense expression. "That Lucas kid hit the shot, but it was the big guy who made the steal to set it up. They've got good chemistry."

Marcus smirked. "Good chemistry's not gonna save them when I'm raining threes. Just get me the ball, and we're good."

The forward rolled his eyes. "If you're open, yeah. But don't start chucking up bad shots just because you've got a green light."

"Relax," Marcus said, tossing the ball into the air and catching it with one hand. "We've got this."

The Red Hawks moved to an open bench near one of the U14 courts, their conversation turning to the matchup ahead.

"You think they're scouting us?" Miguel asked, glancing over at the Wolves, who were still gathered near the bracket board.

"Probably," Jaylen said. "But we're scouting them, too. It's all part of the game."

Lucas leaned back, drumming his fingers on the ball in his lap. "It's not about what they do. It's about what we do. If we play our game, we win. Simple as that."

Miguel grinned. "That's why you're the captain, man. Keeping us grounded."

Jaylen smirked. "Well, that and the fact that you're the guy who always steps up when it matters."

Lucas laughed, shaking his head. "Let's just make sure we don't need another game-winner, alright?"

Before their game began, the Red Hawks had a chance to watch the other U14 semifinal between the Windy City Kings and the Southside Storm. The court was packed with spectators, the crowd buzzing with anticipation as the two heavyweights squared off.

The Kings started strong, their big man dominating the boards and their guards hitting midrange shots with ease. But the Storm's relentless full-court press was already causing problems, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities.

"This is gonna be a dogfight," Jaylen said, watching as the Storm's point guard stripped the ball from one of the Kings' players and sprinted down the court for an easy layup.

"Good," Miguel said, grinning. "Let them wear each other out. Whoever wins is gonna be gassed by the time they get to the finals."

Lucas nodded, his eyes fixed on the court. "Let's watch how the Kings handle the press. If we end up facing the Storm, we'll need to know what works against them."

The game was as intense as expected. The Kings relied on their size and skill to stay ahead, but the Storm's scrappy, high-energy play kept them in it. By the time the score hit 15-15, it was clear that neither team was going down without a fight.

Lucas leaned forward, studying every move. The Kings' big man was struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, and their guards were starting to crack under the pressure.

"This press is no joke," Lucas said. "They're in your face the whole time."

Jaylen nodded. "Yeah, but they're burning a ton of energy. If the Kings can stay patient, they'll break through."

Miguel smirked. "Let's just hope they beat the crap out of each other. Makes our job easier."

As the Kings and Storm continued to battle, the Red Hawks sat quietly, taking in every detail. Their own semifinal matchup was just minutes away, but Lucas knew that staying focused on the present was key.

"Alright," he said finally, standing up and grabbing his ball. "Let's get ready. We've got a game to win."

Jaylen and Miguel followed, their expressions determined. The road to the finals was within reach, but they'd have to earn it.