Chapter 22 Practice Game
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0:2
Devonte Inbounded the ball to Jace after conceding the double. They were looking to equalise the score with a quick counter quickly. By the time he brought the ball across the halfway line team 2 was already back in defence.
JJ stepped up to press him implementing a half-court press. Jace kept his cool though lightly bouncing the ball to his right as he surveyed the floor. He was looking for a way through but JJ's defence remained tight.
He tried to trick him with a few behind-the-back dribbles but JJ stood his ground. He didn't even bother trying to steal knowing that the more skilful Jace was trying to lure him in.
Seeing that he couldn't get past him after wasting 15 of the 35-second shot clock time he decided to pivot and seek out Cam on the wing. He calmly caught the ball entering a triple threat stance forcing Hakim to take a step back.
{The triple threat stance in basketball is a fundamental position that allows a player to maximize their offensive options. When a player is in the triple threat stance, they are in a position from which they can shoot, pass, or dribble. This stance keeps the defender guessing and provides the offensive player with multiple options to react based on how the defence responds.}
Cam faked a drive to his right with a quick Jab step, causing Hakim to shift his weight slightly. In that brief moment, he took advantage, launching a quick pass to Drew Jones, who was cutting in towards the basket.
Drew received the ball in stride, but Isaiah Hill was quick to react, closing the gap and forcing Drew to pull up just inside the free-throw line.
He elevated for a rushed mid-range jumper but surprisingly remained steady in the air. Releasing the ball at the apex of his jump it.
But Joel Mende who was close by leapt high, his outstretched arm tipping the ball slightly, shifting its trajectory and causing the shot to miss the mark. With a dull thud, it hit the backboard bouncing back into play.
Royal secured the rebound with a timed hop. Not being the best dribbler he immediately dished it out to JJ his team's point guard. As soon as he caught the ball he pushed the tempo by sprinting down the court.
Jace being his marker was forced to hustle back on defence, trying his best to slow down JJ. Approaching the 3-pt line he came to a sudden stop and transitioned it to a behind-the-back cross over to his left.
With that move, he shook off Jace who was coming to a sliding stop. Ignoring the squeaking of trainers he took another step to his left creating a meter or so of space.
Without hesitation, he shot a wide-open 3-pointer. With a quick swish, the ball left his hand, but in the next moment, the clang of the iron could be heard reverberating throughout the gym. Players who had just reached the area under the basket rose into the air to fight for the rebound.
No one came through as the outright winner, as the ball was tipped back into the air by several hands. Eventually, it ended up with Joel at the top of the three-point line.
However, before he could decide what to do with it, Cody and Drew double-teamed him. "Over here," he heard someone on the wing behind Drew shout immediately getting his attention. Without thinking he sent a bounce pass between Drew's legs hoping to connect with his teammate. Hakim was on the other side and he easily received the ball before Cam could close him down.
"First one was just luck, Your not getting by a second time," Cam said as he stepped up to Hakim trying to get in his head. Bending his knees slightly and spreading his arms wide he did everything to block any paths forward.
Hakim merely chuckled at his words a bright smile forming on his face. "Floater like a butterfly," He retorted as he got into his shooting motion ready to unleash a shot. Seeing this Cam immediately jumped into the air ready block his shot.
However, by the time he reached his apex, he realised that Hakim wasn't in front of him. Looking down he made eye contact with him only to hear him say "I sting like a bee." With that, he performed a quick spin move to his left heading towards the corner.
Seeing this Cam lunged after him quickly arriving in front of him again only to hear him say. "your hands can't steal what your eyes can't see". Immediately he shimmed back to the right with a behind-the-back dribble forcing Cam to come to a sudden stop as he lunged after him. However the next second he watched in disbelief as Hakim performed another behind-the-back dribble heading back to the left.
He tried his best to continue following him but his legs could no longer keep up. His knees buckled as his left foot slipped sending him tumbling to the ground. None of this matters to Hakim though as he quickly performed a baseline-jumper before Devonter could close him down. With a fade-away jumper, the ball swoshed through the net for 2 points bringing the score to 0:4.
Seeing his shot go in Hakim pointed at the still-downed Cam before bringing his hands together to perform a good night gesture. Not bothering with the enraged Cam he headed back on defence leaving team 1 to step up an attack. Devonte inbounded the ball to Jace, who glanced at his teammates ahead of him before brining the ball forward.
JJ tied to press him at half court but a quick change of speed and hesi was all he needed to get by him. However, JJ was quick to get back in front of him by the time he reached the 3-point line. Calling for a screen from Cody on his right, he feinted going behind him before abruptly changing direction.
He quickly accelerated back to the left heading for the paint, JJ who had tried going under the screen found himself lagging behind. Not only that he blocked off Joles path leaving Jace rather free. With 2 long stried he reached the top of the free throw line forcing Royal forward to close him down.
He picked up the ball with his right and took an angled two atepa towards the basket. Royal who looked to snatch it was left empty-handed when Jace bounce passed the ball to Devonte behind him. The centre calmly received the ball and rose into the air for a standing dunk. His movements were so easy that they looked effortless to an outside observer.
The rhythm of the match continued like that for a while as both teams seemingly raced to stack on points. Despite team 2 having height on their side the seniors held their ground. They kept the score close within 6 points by utilising their captain Jace's playmaking ability.
Through smart utilisation of screens and the pick and roll tactic he cleverly showcased his prowess as a floor general. 5:30 He arrived at the top of the key and immediately sized up JJ with a couple of between-the-leg dribbles. He called for a screen to his right and immediately jab step to his left keeping JJ on his toes.
{The pick and roll in basketball is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket to receive a pass.}
When Devonte arrived and set the screen Jace didn't hesitate cutting across the centre. JJ didn't hesitate and followed after him trying to fight through the screen. When he finally did he was stupefied when he bumped into his own team's, Royal. The centre who was just switching onto Jace was left unprepared when JJ came stomping towards him.
Before the two even had the chance to brace themselves they watched Jace lob the ball towards the basket. In the next second, Devonte caught flight catching the ball in midair and performing a powerful dunk. With that Alley-oop, the score now stood at 35:39 with team two still in the lead by a slight margin.
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To Be Continued...