END OF FIRST QUARTER
Vorpal Basket – 31 | Forest Basket – 30
The buzzer echoed into silence.
But the bench?
It exploded.
Aiden White sprang to his feet, launching his towel skyward like a flare.
Kai Mendoza jumped and roared, fist punching the air.
Coonie Smith slapped Jeremy's shoulder so hard it echoed louder than the buzzer.
Jeremy just laughed, unbothered, eyes wild with joy as he shouted into the storm of cheers.
And then—
Louie Gee Davas didn't move.
He leaned back in his chair, arms spread along the backrest, the same way a lion leans into the sun after a good hunt.
His head tilted slightly toward the court.
"Show off…" he muttered with a grin, the words a mix of annoyance and pride.
Then, louder, chest rising:
"Alright then, Lucas... my turn now."
Lucas jogged past, breath heavy, sweat trailing from his chin.
He turned his head at the sound.
Their eyes locked.
No grin.
No swagger.
No flex.
Just a calm nod.
