The scoreboard burned: 58–53.
Spartan fans roared like a storm, stomping the bleachers, chanting Cody's name. The dunk still echoed in the rafters like a cannon blast.
Ethan didn't give it a second thought. He slapped the ball from the ref's hands.
"Push! Don't let them ride it!" His voice cracked like a whip.
Vorpal surged forward.
Coonie sprinted to the wing, chest heaving. They think we're rattled? Not me.
Kai cut the baseline in a blur. Faster. Make them chase shadows.
Jeremy planted at the top, shoulders squared. Switch me, I dare you.
Brandon slammed his fist to his chest, glaring at Cody. Not done. Not by a long shot.
And Ethan calm on the outside, fire inside dribbled into the teeth of the press.
That dunk was their punch. Now it's mine. Answer quick. Answer clean. Kill their momentum before it breathes.
Darius' voice cut through the chaos:
"Trap him! Don't let Albarado breathe!"
