The Beggining - First Game

The sun was beginning to set over the courts of my school in St. Louis, casting long shadows across the gym. I could feel the buzz of excitement in the air as a bunch of us, about ten or so, started warming up for the big tournament. My hair kept falling into my eyes as I dribbled, and I kept pushing it back, trying to focus. The other kids were all around me, doing their own drills, but I could tell some were sneaking glances my way. Even at nine, I could feel their eyes on me. Maybe it was because of my noticeable height or the way I moved through the court, weaving in and out with a speed and precision that even some of the older kids didn't have yet. The tournament that starts today, and while most kids my age were still figuring out the basics, I was already seen as a prodigy. The court wasn't just a place to play for me; it was my canvas, and every dribble, every pass, every shot was a stroke of brilliance.

It all started when I was six. My dad used to play with me in the backyard, shooting hoops on a little plastic net we had. He said he noticed something different about me, that I hit more shots than my cousins and friends who would come over to play. When I turned eight, my dad signed me up for a local basketball school, where I finally got to practice for real.

The coaches always talked about my potential, how I could become a top player if I worked hard. They drilled that mentality into me, and it's what helped me get to where I am now.

U-10 Junior Tournament. My first official competition. Strangely, I'm not nervous, even though I'm a year younger than most of the other kids. I love this environment—the court, the sound of the ball bouncing, the squeak of sneakers on the floor. It all calms me. I know that no matter what happens, the only thing that matters is what I do on the court.

"Hey! Akira!" A kid taps me on the shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, I was zoning out."

"It's your first tournament, but we're counting on you to lead the team today, alright?"

Akira nods, a confident smile spreading across his face.

This tournament took place at the school, where there were two basketball squares separated by a net that tied the ceiling of the game. Benches arched near me and created an extremely encouraging environment for me. It was mainly the parents of the players that were in the grandstand, including my father, who was with a massive poster saying "AKIRA #1 THE BEST IN THE COURT", which by the way embarrassed me a lot, but I also felt that everyone was watching me, so that brought me joy and a greater desire to play.

a whistle noise echoes through the gym.

I start to run, I am confident that my team took the ball, the reaction of his SF says that. At this time, the ball is with my PG, so…

Akira stops right in front of the 3 point line.

I just need to be here.

Suddenly the ball was in Akira's hand, a defender came trying to stop him, but it was too late.

First three, not bad at all.

"Nice one Akira! Keep the pace!" John, who gave me the assist, gives me a thumbs up.

"Thanks!"

The first five minutes were enough to see the stark gap between the teams. As Akira started to warm up, the score difference widened rapidly. His dribbling was like a dance, fluid and unpredictable. Every shot he took seemed to glide effortlessly through the net, and his passes were so precise they seemed almost telepathic. The opposing team could do nothing but watch as Akira controlled the court, orchestrating every play with the finesse of a seasoned pro.

He caught a pass at the top of the key, pivoted sharply, and charged toward the basket. Two defenders lunged at him, but with a quick spin move, he slipped past them and laid the ball in off the glass. The crowd erupted, but Akira remained calm, his focus unshaken.

"He's unstoppable," one of the opposing players muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief.

By halftime, the score was heavily lopsided, with Akira's team leading by a wide margin. His teammates fed off his energy, playing with a confidence they hadn't known before. Akira was everywhere—stealing passes, dishing out assists, and hitting shot after shot. His dominance was so evident that even the parents in the stands exchanged looks of amazement.

As the clock ticked down in the final minutes of the game, Akira found himself at the free-throw line after drawing a foul on a drive to the basket. He bounced the ball twice, exhaled, and then calmly sank the shot. The scoreboard lit up again, widening the gap to an insurmountable lead.

With seconds left, Akira held the ball at half-court, letting the time run out. The game was over, but the crowd's applause was just beginning. Akira's teammates rushed to him, patting him on the back, their faces lit up with joy and admiration.

"We did it," one of them said, breathless and beaming.

Akira smiled, his ocean-blue eyes reflecting the light of the gym. "Yeah, we did. But this is just the beginning."

As the final buzzer sounded, Akira knew that this victory was more than just a win. It was a statement—a sign of things to come. And as he looked around at his teammates, he felt a surge of pride.

"Our little beast is a true genius". The captain pats my head.

"How many points did you score?!" 

"I think… 40? I don't really know"

"48 Points, 12 Assists, 10 Steals and 8 Rebounds. Good job kid."

Everyone looks terrified to coach.

I think that is the first time I've seen him accomplishing someone.

Final Score

Brave Eagles Middle School 95 - 23 The Bulls High 

MVP: Akira Kinglsey.