Final Preparations

The buzz around the park had reached a fever pitch as the U14 championship game approached. The Red Hawks were the underdogs of the tournament, but their semifinal victory had earned them respect. Parents, friends, and players from the earlier rounds now crowded around the main court, eager to see who would take home the title.

Lucas sat on a bench with Jaylen and Miguel, their towels draped over their shoulders as they rehydrated and mentally prepared. The Windy City Kings were warming up nearby, their tall big man dominating the paint during layup drills while their guards showcased sharp, precise passes.

"Man, they're locked in," Jaylen muttered, his gaze fixed on the Kings. "That dude in the middle's like a wall. He's gotta be what, 6'2"? Maybe taller?"

Miguel smirked, his confidence undented. "Big doesn't mean unstoppable. We'll make him work."

Lucas nodded, his expression calm but serious. "We stick to our game. No unnecessary risks, no wasted possessions. They're good, but we've been grinding all day. We can take them."

As they strategized, Lucas glanced toward the sidelines and spotted his dad, Steven, weaving through the crowd. Still dressed in his work slacks and button-up shirt, Steven's tie was loosened, and he waved with a wide grin as he approached.

"Dad!" Lucas called, standing to greet him.

Steven clapped his son on the shoulder. "Heard you boys made the finals. Had to take off work an hour early to catch it."

Lucas smiled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "Glad you're here. It's gonna be tough, but we're ready."

Steven's sharp eyes flicked to the Kings, taking in their size and crisp execution. "They look good. But from what I've been hearing about you three, they've got a real fight ahead of them."

Miguel sauntered over, overhearing the conversation. "Oh, they'll fight, alright. But we'll hit harder. You're in for a show, Mr. Turner."

Jaylen joined, offering a polite smile. "We'll do our best, sir."

Steven chuckled, looking at the trio with a mix of pride and amusement. "I like the confidence. Just make sure you keep it under control. Play smart, play together. You've got this."

As Steven stepped back toward the crowd to find a seat, another figure caught Lucas's eye. Tim Hardaway, the Chicago legend, was standing near the scorer's table. Dressed casually in a jacket and jeans, Hardaway had been keeping a close eye on the Red Hawks all day.

This time, Hardaway waved Lucas over, motioning for Steven to join them.

Lucas hesitated for a moment before walking over, his heart pounding slightly. Steven, curious, followed.

"Nice game earlier," Hardaway said, his tone calm but authoritative as he extended a hand to Lucas.

"Thank you, Mr. Hardaway," Lucas replied, shaking his hand.

Hardaway folded his arms, studying Lucas with a faint smile. "That last play in the semis—the way you read the defense and set up your teammate for the game-winner? That's not something you see often from kids your age. You've got patience, vision… and confidence. Those are rare qualities."

Lucas felt a flush of pride but kept his composure. "I just try to make the right play. It's about the team, not just me."

Hardaway nodded approvingly. "Good answer. A lot of kids your age just want to jack up shots and show off. You play like someone who's been watching the game for years."

"Lucas studies a lot of basketball," Steven interjected, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

Hardaway turned to Steven, his grin widening. "You've got a potential NBA player for a son, Mr. Turner. I don't say that lightly."

Steven raised an eyebrow, clearly flattered. "That means a lot coming from someone like you. He's got a long way to go, though."

"Sure," Hardaway said, nodding. "But he's got the foundation—IQ, instincts, unselfishness. Those are things you can't teach."

Lucas shifted slightly, his chest swelling with pride but his humility keeping him grounded. "Thank you, Mr. Hardaway. That means a lot."

Hardaway clapped Lucas on the shoulder. "I'll be watching in the finals. Show me something else. Play your game."

As Lucas walked back to the bench with Steven, Miguel and Jaylen immediately swarmed him.

"What'd he say?" Miguel asked, his eyes wide.

Lucas shrugged, trying to downplay the encounter. "Just told me to keep playing smart."

"Yeah, right," Jaylen said with a smirk. "He looked like he was ready to put you on a college recruiting list."

Miguel grinned. "Alright, 'future NBA player.' You better back it up in the finals."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's focus. We're gonna need to be perfect to win this."

The DJ's voice echoed across the park, cutting through the chatter.

"Alright, folks, the moment you've all been waiting for—the U14 championship game! Red Hawks versus Windy City Kings! Teams, report to the court—it's time for the finals!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lucas felt his heart rate spike. This was it. The culmination of their long day of grinding and teamwork.

"You ready?" Lucas asked, glancing at his teammates.

Jaylen rolled his neck, his expression calm but resolute. "Always."

Miguel adjusted his headband, his grin wide and confident. "Born ready."

The Red Hawks stepped onto the court, the blacktop warm beneath their sneakers. The Windy City Kings were already in position, their players exuding a quiet confidence. The Kings' big man stood near the center circle, his arms crossed as he sized up Jaylen. Their guards exchanged quick passes, moving with the precision of players who had been drilled to perfection.

Jaylen stepped into the circle for the tip-off, standing tall against the Kings' big man, who loomed a couple of inches taller. Lucas moved to his spot just beyond the arc, his eyes scanning the Kings' setup, while Miguel crouched slightly on the wing, ready to react.

"Win this, Jaylen," Lucas said quietly. "We start strong."

Jaylen gave him a slight nod, crouching slightly as the referee stepped into the center of the court with the ball in hand.

The crowd grew quieter as the ref looked between the two players in the circle.

"Alright, gentlemen. Keep it clean. Play hard. Ready?"

Jaylen and the Kings' big man locked eyes, their determination clear.

The referee tossed the ball high into the air, and the championship game began.