The whistle blew, and Brandon slapped the ball to inbound.
Instantly Harbor swarmed. Jet crouched low in front of Aiden, arms twitching like a coiled spring. Spin Carter floated near half-court, waiting to pounce. Dante shadowed Lucas, Brick muscled Brandon, Skyline loomed like a skyscraper in the lane.
The trap was alive.
"Here we go again…" Aiden muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. (Don't freeze. Trust the pass.)
Brandon lobbed it to him.
Jet pounced.
"Caught you slippin', rookie!" Jet's hand flashed, slapping at the ball.
Aiden twisted, protecting it with his body. He shoved a quick bounce pass to Louie—only for Malik's hand to snake in, nearly poking it away. The crowd screamed.
Louie barely caught it, spinning wildly.
"Whoa! Too close! Don't scare me like that!"
He bolted forward, but Slick Vasquez slid into his lane, hesitation dribble ready.
"Dance with me, kid."
Louie gulped. (Don't fall… don't fall… Ethan's watching!)
