The morning sun poured golden shafts of light across the cracked and worn basketball court in Barangay Burol II. The air was crisp with that fresh dawn energy—the kind that holds the promise of challenges and triumphs yet to come.
Tristan jogged onto the court with Marco, Kyle, Gab, Felix, and the rest of the Black Mambas trailing close behind. Their bodies still hummed with the adrenaline of last night's hard-earned scrimmage victory against the Blue Jays — a win that had sparked hope and rekindled their fierce ambition.
The sound of a basketball bouncing steadily echoed before Tristan caught sight of Coach Gutierrez standing near the center circle. The coach's eyes were fixed on a small, folded piece of paper clenched between his fingers, his expression a rare mixture of concentration and anticipation.
"Coach!" Tristan called, his voice sharp with curiosity as he approached, followed closely by the others.
Coach Gutierrez looked up from the paper and offered a small, knowing smile. "Good morning, team. Just the groupings for the Inter-Barangay Basketball League came in."
The players exchanged excited glances, their recent victory making this news feel like the next big step in their journey.
Tristan stepped closer, trying to read the paper furtively. "What does it say, sir? Who are we up against?"
Coach unfolded the paper carefully and held it out so everyone could see. The team clustered around, shading the paper from the bright sunlight.
"Alright," Coach began, pointing to the list, "Here are the groupings. In Group A, we have Barangay Salawag Yellow Submariners, Barangay Salitran White Rabbits, Barangay Sampaloc Brown Bears, Barangay Paliparan Orange Sky, our team—the Barangay Burol II Black Mambas—and Barangay Victoria Reyes Purple Grenadiers."
The players murmured respectfully at the long list of competitors on their side.
Coach then pointed to the second list on the paper. "And in Group B, we have Barangay Datu Esmael Golden Lions, Barangay Fatima Red Roses, Barangay Burol I Blue Jays—who you've already faced and beaten in practice—the Barangay Luzviminda Bronze Tiger, Barangay Emmanuel Bergado Green Turtles, and Barangay Sabang Silver Wolves."
Felix's eyebrows raised. "So… we're with the Yellow Submariners, White Rabbits, and the others in Group A. That sounds tough."
Coach nodded firmly. "It will be. The competition is fierce in every group. But here's how it will go: the league's format is round robin. Each team will play every other team in their group once."
Gab folded his arms, frowning thoughtfully. "So, that means five games in the group stage for us?"
"That's right," Coach confirmed. "And from those games, the top four teams in each group based on their win-loss records will advance to the knockout rounds."
Joseph piped up, "What happens in the knockout stage, Coach?"
Coach's eyes gleamed as he explained. "After the group stage, the quarterfinals will start with cross-group matchups. Number one in Group A will face number four in Group B, number two in Group A will play number three in Group B, and the same applies vice versa for the lower ranks. Single elimination from there on."
The team digested the information quietly for a moment. Tristan broke the silence, a spark of excitement mixing with the weight of the challenge. "Coach, this means our win against the Blue Jays could give us a strong edge if we stay consistent. Like, if we can take Group A or at least secure a top spot."
Coach smiled gently, but shaded with seriousness. "Maybe. But don't underestimate the other teams. The Yellow Submariners and the White Rabbits have solid reputations and deep rosters. The Brown Bears and Orange Sky play tough too — all teams will be hungry for the title."
Marco shifted his weight, tapping his shoe against the dusty court. "So, we need to make sure we're prepared for each game, keep focused, and avoid any slip-ups."
Coach nodded. "Exactly. This league will test your endurance as much as your skill. Five group games with the best teams, then a knockout phase where every possession counts."
Felix grinned and asked, "Coach, what about the Blue Jays? Since they're in Group B, and we beat them already, does that give us a better chance if we meet again in the quarterfinals?"
Coach clenched his jaw subtly. "It's complicated. The Blue Jays are a different team in the official games. They'll have learned from that loss and improved. Expect them to fight harder. You'll have to be sharper."
Gab's brow furrowed. "It sounds like winning in the group stage means everything. It's not just about making it to the knockout — it's about positioning and momentum."
Coach raised his hand for silence. "You've hit the nail on the head. If you finish number one or two in the group, you'll face theoretically easier teams from Group B in the quarters, but don't get cocky. Every team wants to prove something."
Tristan's gaze hardened. "So we need to be ready—not just physically, but mentally too."
Coach smiled approvingly. "That's exactly what I want to hear. The games will be a marathon, not a sprint. Which means proper rest, discipline, and the kind of team unity you've already begun to build."
Joseph chuckled dryly. "No more underestimating any team, got it."
"Good," Coach said. "Now, tell me—how do you feel after last night? Confident?"
Marco smirked. "We learned a lot, for sure. The Blue Jays were tough, but we're tougher. We worked through our weaknesses."
Felix added, "I feel like we're just getting started. That win has lit a fire under all of us."
Coach folded the paper and tucked it into his jacket. "That fire is what will carry you. But remember, the league won't be won in one day or one game."
Gab stepped forward, voice quiet but determined. "Coach, what do we need to improve the most?"
Coach looked at each player in turn before answering. "Consistency under pressure. You showed flashes of brilliance—and mistakes too. In the big league games, mistakes snowball. Stay focused, communicate constantly, and trust each other."
Tristan nodded thoughtfully. "We have to eliminate the mental errors, then. Stuff like unnecessary turnovers or missed rotations on defense."
"Exactly," Coach confirmed. "And keep building your chemistry. Use every practice to make your movements instinctive."
Joseph flexed his hands, excitement evident. "We'll grind harder than ever. No excuses."
"You better be ready to give your all every day," Coach warned with a grin. "Because these games will test every ounce of your skill and spirit."
Marco clenched his fists and raised a challenge. "Then let's get to work. The Burol II Black Mambas will make sure the league remembers who we are."
Coach nodded, the subtle weight of pride visible in his eyes. "That's the spirit. Be the team that fights, that refuses to break, and that plays for each other."
The team huddled suddenly, a tight-knit circle of sweat-drenched determination.
"Black Mambas!" Tristan shouted.
"FIGHT!" the others answered in unison.
The sun climbed higher, spotlighting the court where history would soon be written.
Later that morning, after the team's huddle on the court
Felix nudged Tristan quietly as Coach stepped to the side, consulting some notes.
"Hey, man, do you think we can take that Group A top spot? The Yellow Submariners have that beast of a center—a tall guy, right?"
Tristan glanced toward the groupings again, nodding. "Yeah, Jomar Reyes. Tall, strong, and plays smart. But every team has their flaws—Yellow Submariners' perimeter defense isn't very tight. We could exploit that with fast ball movement."
Joseph chimed in, "The White Rabbits? They're quick, but tend to rely too much on one shooter. If we shut him down early, we control the pace."
Coach bent down suddenly and smiled, as if overhearing.
"Good analysis. You're starting to see the bigger picture." He stood tall again. "Basketball is as much about observing as it is about playing. Know your enemy. Know yourselves."
Gab grinned, "So, scouting reports, huh? We should hit the courts early and do some recon."
Coach chuckled. "Exactly. Tonight, and in the days ahead, I want you watching the other teams—a few plays here and there. Take notes. That preparation will give you an edge."
Marco nodded enthusiastically. "We won't let that advantage slip, Coach."
Tristan felt a thrill ripple through him. The stakes had never felt higher, the path clearer yet tougher.
"Let this be our season," he said softly. "The season the Black Mambas prove they belong at the top."
Coach's smile broadened. "And we will. One game, one play, one victory at a time."
The sun now fully warmed the court, the team began their pre-practice drills, hearts and minds sharper than ever.
The road ahead looked long and grueling.
But the Black Mambas were ready.
Together, they would rise.