Chapter 111 – Second Game

Title: "The Memory That Changed the Game"

The Wolves came into their second tournament game with momentum on their side. After the intense first win, expectations were higher—and so was the pressure.

The opposing team, the East Haven Titans, were no joke. Taller, aggressive, and known for suffocating defense, they had dominated their last game by more than twenty points.

Coach Daniels paced the sideline while Ryan sat with his clipboard, observing, silent but sharp-eyed. Tyler bounced nervously on his heels. Ben gave him a quick nod. "You got this, rook."

The first quarter was a blur of blocks, fast breaks, and missed shots. The Wolves were trying to find rhythm, but East Haven didn't give them an inch. Every time the Wolves pulled ahead, the Titans answered back.

By halftime, it was 29–29. The crowd murmured, sensing this wasn't going to be a smooth ride.

Third Quarter – Trading Blows

In the third, Ben took over again—muscling into the paint, creating shots where there weren't any. Savannah cheered from the sidelines with the cheer team, voice hoarse already from screaming support.

Tyler had a few bright moments—clean passes, a sneaky steal—but the Titans' guards were all over him. They forced him into rushed shots and corner traps. The score ticked up slowly.

End of third: 44–44.

Fourth Quarter – Pressure Mounts

Coach Daniels called a timeout with four minutes left. The Wolves were down by two. The air felt tight in the gym.

Ryan pulled Tyler aside, voice low. "You're seeing the court right—but you're reacting too slow."

Tyler nodded, sweating. "They're crowding me. I can't—"

"You can," Ryan interrupted. "Remember what we talked about before the game? When you're trapped—what's the move?"

Tyler blinked. It came back like a spark.

"The fake retreat cut?"

Ryan tapped the clipboard. "Exactly. Sell the retreat. Make them think you're giving up space. Then flip it."

Back on the court, Tyler dribbled up as the trap approached. He retreated just a step, just enough. The defenders bit.

Then—boom.

He split them with a lightning pass to the cutting forward. Bucket.

56–56.

Two minutes left.

On the next possession, Tyler used it again—but instead of passing, he faked and floated a soft jumper.

58–56.

The gym ignited.

Final Seconds

East Haven scrambled. A missed three. Wolves rebound. Ryan called for patience from the bench, signaling a play.

Ben passed to Tyler, who waited, waited—and with ten seconds left, threaded a perfect bounce pass to the big man under the basket.

Layup.

60–56.

The final buzzer rang.

The Wolves had done it.2–0 in the group stage.

Tyler ran to the bench, breathless, eyes shining.

Ryan gave him a fist bump. "Told you. Just had to remember."