Chapter 70 – Semifinal Game
The Rosehill Wolves' gym was electric. Every seat packed, every voice loud. The bleachers shook with cheers as the referee blew the whistle, the ball tipped into the air, and the semifinal began.
First Quarter
The other team came out aggressive. Fast passes. Tight defense. Their star point guard—#12—was everywhere, weaving through defenders like a shadow.
Coach Daniels stood at the edge of the bench, arms crossed, watching every movement like a hawk. "Talk! Rotate! Let's go, Wolves!"
Ryan locked eyes with #12 as he ran back on defense. His blood was pumping, not from nerves—just fire. Challenge accepted.
On the next play, Ben snuck a steal at half-court, reading a lazy bounce pass like he'd seen it coming from a mile away. He pushed up the court fast, dished it to Ryan on the wing.
Ryan exploded.
Two steps. One dribble. Elevation.
Slam.
The gym erupted.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Coach Daniels clapped.
From the stands, Sarah jumped up, hands to her mouth. "That's my boy!" she whispered under her breath.
Jack leaned over to her with a smile. "He's got some spring in those legs."
Evelyn and Anna sat two rows up. Anna's eyes were locked on Ryan—focused, intense.
"He's different when he plays," Evelyn said quietly.
Anna nodded. "Yeah. But still him."
End of First Quarter: 9–9
Second Quarter
The game stayed tight.
Ben was a defensive wall—stealing passes, tipping dribbles, hounding their ball-handlers. Ryan, meanwhile, was everywhere. Pull-up jumpers. Crossovers. Floaters. Rebounds.
Still, the opposing team wasn't letting up. Their center was big and dominant, grabbing second-chance points and drawing fouls. Every time Rosehill got a run, they answered.
Timeout.
The players jogged to the bench, sweat dripping, lungs burning.
Coach Daniels knelt in front of them, voice calm but firm. "They're playing smart, but they're not unbeatable. Stay sharp. Don't gamble unless you've got help. And Ryan—keep attacking. Ben, keep the pressure up."
Ryan nodded. "They're cracking. One more push."
Ben grinned, breathing hard. "Let's break them."
Back on the court, Ryan faked a drive and pulled up for a mid-range jumper—net. Then, next possession, Ben anticipated the baseline pass, tipped it to himself, and sent it sailing across the court to Ryan again—fast break, layup.
The gym roared.
Anna and Savannah clapped and screamed, standing now.
"They're locked in!" Savannah shouted. "Let's go, Wolves!"
Halftime Score: 14–14
Third Quarter
The opponent changed tactics. More full-court pressure. More physical play. And it worked—for a bit. Rosehill's passes got sloppy. A few turnovers. A few easy buckets for the other side.
Ryan called out to Ben across the court. "Reset!"
Ben nodded, slowed it down, set the play.
That's when it started to shift back. Ryan sliced through two defenders, kicked it to the corner—three! Ben snagged another steal, this time diving on the floor, popping it out to Ryan for another dunk that sent the crowd to its feet.
Coach Daniels just smiled, arms folded.
Mrs. Harper leaned over to Mr. James in the stands. "He's something, that Whitmore boy."
Mr. James gave a small nod. "Told you."
End of Third Quarter: Rosehill 20 – Opponents 21
Fourth Quarter
The gym buzzed with tension. Every dribble echoed like thunder.
Rosehill ball. Four minutes left.
Ryan brought it up the court. His face calm. Dangerous.
He crossed over. Attacked. Step-back. Shot—
Swish.
Tied game.
Next possession—Ben stripped the ball, raced down the court, pulled up, and hit a three.
Wolves lead, 23–20.
Timeout.
Opponents answered with a fast bucket—23–22.
Last possession. Ten seconds.
Ryan held the ball. Clock ticking.
He nodded at Ben.
Ben ran a fake screen and cut to the corner. Ryan drove. Two defenders collapsed. He jumped—and passed to Ben in the corner.
Ben caught. Shot.
Buzz.
Swish.
Crowd—exploded.
Final Score: Rosehill 26 – Opponents 22
The gym shook with cheers. Ryan and Ben were swarmed by teammates. Coach Daniels stood back with a proud look in his eyes.
They had done it.
They were going to the Finals.