Chapter 16 – Bayfront Test

January 3rd.

New year. New gym. New war.

Bayfront Academy wasn't just undefeated—they were angry. Michael had heard the whispers. They thought the Christmas buzz was fake. That he hadn't faced real pressure.

Tonight, they planned to expose him.

Coach Alvarez kept the pregame speech short.

"They want to bully you. You gonna let 'em?"

Michael stared ahead. "Let's find out."

Tip-off was electric.

Bayfront pressed full-court right away. Their guards hounded Jamal. Their wings body-checked Michael on every cut.

First two possessions: turnovers.

Third possession: Michael got the ball near the elbow.

He jabbed, turned, and launched a fadeaway with a defender draped on him.

Swish.

Silence.

Next play: steal. Transition euro. Lay-in.

Then a block on the other end.

The noise came back. But now, it was his.

[Progress: 12.58%] [Trait Growth: Toughness Under Contact Tier I]

Bayfront hit hard in the second quarter.

Full denial. Trap schemes. Foul baiting.

Michael adjusted.

Backdoor cuts. Short-roll passing. High-low action.

He wasn't just scoring—he was breaking their scheme.

At halftime, it was 39–35. Michael had 15, 4, and 3.

Jamal looked winded. The others were rattled.

Michael didn't raise his voice. Didn't scream.

He just said, "We break them in the third."

And they did.

Third quarter: Michael came out like a conductor. Called every set. Set two screens, then flared off one himself and nailed a three.

Then came the dagger.

He caught it at the top of the key.

Bayfront's 6'8 forward stepped up. Talking trash.

Michael gave him a half-smile.

Crossover. Spin. Pump fake. Fade.

Bang.

Crowd lost it.

The forward stared at him in disbelief.

Michael walked past him without a word.

[Progress: 13.02%] [Skill Upgrade: Elite Mid-Post Footwork Tier II]

Fourth quarter.

Bayfront made one last run, cutting the lead to two.

Michael drove baseline, got bumped mid-air, and flipped it in with his left while crashing to the ground.

And-one.

He stood up calmly. Hit the free throw.

Final score: 74–68.

Michael: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals.

Reporters were waiting post-game.

"Michael, any comments on beating a ranked team again?"

He wiped sweat from his face.

"Just another step."

"Are you aiming for anything specific this season?"

He glanced at the camera.

"Just making sure they remember my name."

Back in the locker room, Coach pulled him aside.

"You know this puts you in the national conversation now, right?"

Michael nodded. "Good."

Because that was the plan all along.