Chapter 21: Southpoint Showdown – Second Half

The Ironwood locker room buzzed with muted tension during halftime. The team sat scattered on the benches, some catching their breath, others chugging water as Coach Hale paced in front of the whiteboard.

"You're doing better," Hale said, his voice sharp but calm. "But Southpoint isn't going to roll over. Ray's just warming up, and their shooters haven't even gotten hot yet. Keep pressing on defense. Keep moving off the ball. And most importantly, play smart."

Hale's piercing eyes locked onto Jaden. "Hunter, you're setting the tone. Keep pushing, but don't force it. Find your rhythm and make them react to you."

Jaden nodded, his jaw tight. "Got it, Coach."

Hale turned to Tyler next. "Crane, you've got to stay aggressive. I don't care if you miss a few..keep shooting."

Tyler gave a short nod, his fingers tapping against his knee.

Tank let out a low groan, rolling his shoulder. "Man, those guys in the paint are built like trucks."

"They're tough, but so are you," Ethan said, clapping Tank on the shoulder. "We've got this."

Coach Hale's voice rose. "Two more quarters. Empty the tank. Let's finish this."

The team let out a collective roar as they stood and jogged toward the tunnel, their adrenaline already building.

The second half began with Southpoint taking possession. Ray Hale moved with precision, dribbling low and scanning the floor like a chess master. Jaden crouched in front of him, his sharp dark eyes locked onto Ray's every movement.

"You're quick, Hunter," Ray said as he jab-stepped left, then crossed to the right. "But let's see if you can keep up."

Ray drove hard into the paint, weaving through defenders before pulling up for a smooth jumper. The ball snapped through the net, and Southpoint's fans erupted into cheers.

Ironwood's possession began with Jaden bringing the ball up the court. He glanced at Tyler, who was tightly guarded on the wing, then at Tank, battling for position in the paint.

Jaden called for a screen, and Tank stepped up, his massive frame creating just enough space for Jaden to slip through. He drove hard to the rim, but Southpoint's center stepped in, his arms wide.

Jaden hesitated for a split second before rising into the air. Instead of forcing the shot, he flicked the ball to Ethan, who cut into the lane and finished with a clean layup.

"Let's go!" Ethan shouted as the crowd roared.

The game turned into a back-and-forth battle. Southpoint's defense tightened, forcing Ironwood into tough shots. On the other end, Ray Hale controlled the tempo with an almost surgical precision, threading passes to his teammates and finding gaps in Ironwood's rotations.

With four minutes left in the third quarter, the score was tied 34–34.

Jaden caught the inbound pass and immediately pushed the pace, sprinting down the court. Tyler ran alongside him, his hand raised for a pass.

Jaden hesitated for a moment before firing a sharp bounce pass to Tyler, who pulled up for a mid-range jumper.

The ball clanged off the rim, but Tank was there, muscling his way through two defenders to grab the rebound.

With a roar, Tank went up strong, slamming the ball through the hoop with both hands.

The gym erupted into chaos as Tank flexed his massive arms, letting out a booming laugh.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Tank shouted as he jogged back on defense.

The fourth quarter arrived with the score locked at 42–42.

Both teams were visibly exhausted, their movements slower but no less intense. Every possession felt like a battle, every shot a potential game-changer.

Jaden crouched low on defense, his arms wide as Ray dribbled at the top of the key.

Ray smirked faintly. "You're still here? Thought I'd shake you off by now."

Jaden grinned, his voice steady. "Not a chance, Hale."

Ray jab-stepped left, then spun to the right, driving into the paint. Jaden stayed with him, his feet moving like clockwork. As Ray rose for a shot, Jaden leapt, his hand swatting the ball clean out of Ray's hands.

The ball bounced loose, and Ethan scooped it up, immediately firing an outlet pass to Tyler.

Tyler sprinted down the court, the crowd roaring as he rose for a three-pointer.

The ball arced high and splashed cleanly through the net.

Ironwood's fans erupted as Tyler jogged back on defense, three fingers raised in the air.

With one minute left, the score stood at 54–52 in Ironwood's favor.

Coach Hale called a timeout, the team huddling around him as he sketched a final play on the whiteboard.

"We're in control now," Hale said, his voice calm but firm. "But Southpoint's going to throw everything at us. Hunter, keep the ball moving. Crane, be ready to shoot. And Tank, I need you to own the paint."

The players nodded, their faces set with determination.

As they stepped back onto the court, Jaden felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

Southpoint inbounded the ball, and Ray brought it up the court, his movements calm and deliberate.

Jaden stayed glued to him, his muscles coiled like a spring.

Ray jab-stepped, then launched a quick three-pointer.

The ball bounced off the rim, and Tank grabbed the rebound, holding it tightly as defenders swarmed him.

"Timeout!" Coach Hale shouted, and the whistle blew.

With fifteen seconds left, Ironwood had possession and a two-point lead.

Jaden caught the inbound pass, dribbling slowly as the clock ticked down. Ray was on him instantly, his hands reaching for the ball.

Ten seconds.

Jaden jabbed left, then crossed right, slipping past Ray and driving into the paint.

Five seconds.

The defense collapsed around him, and Jaden fired a sharp pass to Tyler in the corner.

Tyler caught it, his form smooth as he rose for the shot.

The ball arced high… and splashed through the net just as the buzzer sounded.

The gym erupted into chaos as the scoreboard lit up: Ironwood 57 – Southpoint 52.

Jaden dropped to his knees, his chest heaving with exhaustion as his teammates surrounded him. Tank lifted him off the ground, roaring with triumph.

"Silk, you did it!" Tank shouted.

Jaden grinned, his eyes glistening with sweat and something more.

Coach Hale stood on the sideline, his arms crossed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

Ironwood had taken down another powerhouse.

But the road ahead was only getting steeper.

(Shoutout to Youngboss06 for the Power Stones! Your support drives this story forward thank you so much!)