Chapter 50 – Second Half Spark

The moment Ryan's sneakers hit the court, something clicked.

The ball zipped around the perimeter, Oakridge pressing high, fast, aggressive. But Ryan slipped through their line like smoke. First play—he faked left, crossed right, then rose for a mid-range jumper. The ball sliced through the net cleanly.

Cheers erupted from the Rosehill side.

Ben clapped loudly as he jogged back on defense. "Let's go, Whitmore!"

The Oakridge offense charged in with speed, but Ben shifted into gear. While Ryan was sharp on offense, Ben's instincts kicked in on the other end of the floor. He was quick to anticipate screens, stepping in with solid footwork, sticking to his man like glue.

A pass flew toward the wing, but Ben leapt into the lane and tipped it.

Turnover.

He caught the ball midair and tossed it to Ryan, who was already sprinting ahead. The crowd rose as Ryan drove hard to the basket. One defender stepped up—too late. Ryan floated off the ground, graceful, clean.

Layup. And-one.

The whistle blew.

Ryan barely cracked a grin, but Ben raised both arms and yelled, "That's what I'm talking about!"

The scoreboard began to shift. Rosehill wasn't just hanging in anymore—they were fighting back.

Coach Daniels clapped from the sidelines. "Keep that energy, boys!"

The free throw missed, but Ryan didn't let it get to him. He turned on defense, eyes focused, movement fluid. He didn't force shots. He let the game come to him. A smooth step-back three here, a quick assist there. It wasn't showy—it was smart, controlled, dangerous.

Ben, meanwhile, became the wall Oakridge didn't expect. He took a charge late in the third quarter that sent one of their top players to the bench in foul trouble. When the fourth quarter started, Oakridge's rhythm had cracked.

Rosehill was now ahead by five.

Anna and Savannah cheered wildly in the bleachers, both standing during every possession. Savannah nudged Anna, grinning. "Your guy's kinda killing it out there."

Anna rolled her eyes with a smile. "He's not my guy."

"Sure," Savannah teased. "He just plays like that when you're watching."

Back on the court, Ryan passed off to Caleb for an open corner three. The shot dropped, and Ryan raised a fist in the air. This wasn't just about scoring—he was seeing the whole floor now. Making the right passes, helping teammates get in rhythm.

Ben forced another turnover, then stole a lazy inbound pass. He dove on the floor for it, rolling to his knees and tossing it to Ryan with perfect timing.

Fast break.

Ryan took two strides, spun past one defender, then pulled up at the free throw line for a jumper.

Swish.

Timeout Oakridge.

The gym exploded with noise.

Ryan jogged back to the bench, high-fiving teammates. Ben followed behind him, winded but smiling.

Coach Daniels pulled them into a huddle. "Now that's what I like to see. You didn't just step in—you changed the game. Ryan, keep attacking. Ben, you're a problem for them defensively. Stay on it."

They nodded, breathing hard but energized. They were in it now. Not just on the team—they were part of the team.

The last few minutes of the fourth quarter were a blur of effort and heart. Oakridge made a late push, cutting the lead down to three, but Ryan iced them with a confident drive and kick to Caleb, who nailed another three. Ben snagged a rebound off a missed Oakridge shot, earning the final possession.

As the buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read:Rosehill Wolves 72 – Oakridge Hawks 66

The crowd jumped to their feet. Students screamed, parents clapped, and the team rushed the court. Ryan didn't bask in it, but he let a quiet satisfaction settle in his chest.

They did it.

Ben was all smiles, pulling Ryan into a quick bro-hug. "Told you we'd make noise."

"You were everywhere on defense," Ryan said, catching his breath.

"And you were on fire, man. We belong here."

Up in the bleachers, Sarah stood, clapping. Her eyes were shining—not just from pride, but from something deeper. Beside her, Jack leaned closer. "That kid's got something special."

"He does," Sarah said softly.

Richard stood a few rows above them, silent, watching. He didn't say a word, but something unreadable flickered across his face.

The team gathered midcourt. Coach Daniels held up a hand to quiet the celebration. "Proud of you all. That's how we play Wolves basketball—heart, hustle, and having each other's backs."

He looked at Ryan and Ben. "Great job today. You earned this."

As they left the court, Anna and Savannah met them near the exit.

"Nice work out there," Anna said to Ryan, her tone casual but eyes warm.

Ryan gave a small nod. "Thanks."

Ben smiled at Savannah. "We're not done yet. Tournament's just starting."

Savannah smirked. "Good. We'll be there cheering every game."