Chapter 34: Jack of All Trades, Master of...All?

Mike Johnson (Commentator):

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back! We're in the final minute of the first half, and what a battle it has been between Aina University and Marquette University. The score stands at 53 to 47, with Aina holding onto a six-point lead! Kevin, what's your take on this intense first half?"

Kevin Grant (Commentator):

"Mike, it's been a rollercoaster ride! Aina University started off strong, thanks to Oliver's unbelievable three-point shooting, but Marquette is no pushover. Dwyane Wade has been putting on a show, breaking through defenses and keeping his team in the fight. But they just can't seem to erase that six-point deficit."

As the final minute ticks down, the tension in the arena rises. Marquette University has possession, and their point guard, Norton, inbounds the ball, quickly passing it to Wade. The crowd leans forward in anticipation.

Wade takes his time dribbling past the half-court line, signaling with one finger—he wants to control the pace. Aina University's Franklin is crouched low, his eyes locked onto Wade.

Mike Johnson:

"Wade is slowing it down here. It looks like Marquette wants to milk the clock before taking their shot. They know how crucial this possession is before halftime."

Wade dribbles methodically, his body swaying left and right as he sizes up Franklin. He's been dominant so far, slicing through defenses at will. Franklin, despite his best efforts, has yet to successfully contain him.

Kevin Grant shakes his head.

Kevin Grant:

"You've got to feel for Franklin here. He's a solid defender, but lethal Wade is just on another level. His speed, agility, and ability to change direction are lethal. Franklin has been chasing shadows all night!"

Wade makes his move—an explosive first step to his right! Franklin reacts, but it's too late. Wade zips past him like a blur. Golin steps up to help, but Wade spins away from him in one fluid motion, heading straight for the basket.

Mike Johnson:

"Wade is on the attack! He's weaving through the defense—what a drive!"

But instead of forcing a contested layup, Wade has already scanned the court. He sees his center, Reeves, battling in the post against Aina University's big man, Gall. Reeves manages to create just enough separation.

Wade whips a precise bounce pass into the paint. Reeves grabs it, his massive frame pivoting as he attempts a hook shot.

Gall is right there, contesting hard! He stretches his long arms and gets a fingertip on the ball—just enough to alter the shot! The ball bounces off the rim and careens to the left.

Before anyone else can react, Wade is already airborne!

Kevin Grant:

"Incredible! Wade anticipated the miss! He's up—he's got the rebound!"

Wade snatches the offensive board mid-air, showing off his freakish athleticism. Franklin and Golin scramble to contest, but Wade wastes no time. He immediately explodes toward the hoop for a putback attempt.

With one last powerful stride, Wade elevates high above the defense, extending his arm for a powerful dunk.

But suddenly—

A shadow looms over him.

Aina University's Oliver is right there.

And he's way higher than he should be.

Mike Johnson:

"OH MY—LOOK AT THAT! OLIVER IS SOARING! THIS CAN'T BE POSSIBLE!"

Oliver's leap defies logic. At just 5'9", he has no business getting up this high—but somehow, he does. His hand reaches over Wade's dunkattempt, palm wide open.

SMACK!

The ball is viciously swatted away, sent flying out of bounds with force! The entire arena erupts in shock and awe.

Kevin Grant:

"WHAT A BLOCK! OLIVER JUST ERUPTED LIKE A ROCKET AND DENIED WADE AT THE RIM! THIS KID IS UNBELIEVABLE!"

Wade, still mid-air, looks absolutely stunned. His eyes are wide, his mouth slightly open.

The disbelief is evident—how did a 5'9" guard out-jump him?

The Marquette bench is in shock. Their coach has his hands on his head. Even the Aina University players are momentarily frozen before the realization kicks in.

Mike Johnson:

"We just witnessed something insane! Oliver, the shortest player on the court, just sent Wade's shot into the stands! Look at the crowd—they are losing their minds!"

The stands erupt into chants.

"OLI!"

"OLI!"

"OLI!"

Aina University's bench is on their feet, cheering wildly. Oliver lands gracefully, completely unfazed, as if he does this every day.

Wade, on the other hand, lands with an expression that screams disbelief.

Kevin Grant:

"Wade is one of the best athletes on this court. He's got speed, power, and crazy hops. And yet… Oliver just did that to him! How is this kid even real?"

Marquette quickly regroups, knowing they still have possession. There are 12 seconds left in the half. They inbound the ball, but Aina University is locked in defensively now.

Marquette swings the ball around, desperately searching for an opening. With the shot clock winding down, they force up a contested three-pointer.

The shot clangs off the rim.

The buzzer sounds.

Halftime.

Mike Johnson:

"And that's it for the first half! Aina University holds their lead at 53 to 47!"

Marquette's players walk back to their bench, frustrated. They're supposed to be the stronger team. Their roster is stacked with athletes—but somehow, they're losing.

And there's only one reason why.

Oliver.

Kevin Grant:

"Marquette University should have been dominating this game. On paper, they're bigger, stronger, and more experienced. But Oliver has single-handedly changed the dynamic. His shooting, his playmaking, and now… his defense?!"

Marquette's coach isn't happy. He wastes no time addressing the issue.

"Norton, your defense on Oliver has been sloppy! We need to shut him down!"

Norton, visibly frustrated, clenches his fists.

"Coach, I swear—I've been trying. He's just too fast. Too unpredictable."

Wade, still processing the block, exhales deeply. He doesn't say much—just nods.

"Wade, you're in charge now. Andrew, be ready to help on defense. We have to stop this kid, or we're in trouble."

On the other side, Aina University's bench is in high spirits.

Their coach, Boeheim, can't hide his surprise.

"Boys, I won't lie… I didn't expect us to be leading at halftime. But here we are! We played smart, we played tough, and most of all—we have Oliver."

The players nod, energized.

Mike Johnson:

"The second half is going to be a war! Marquette is going to come out swinging, but can Aina University hold on? Stay tuned, folks—we're in for a classic!"