The next morning, Coach called a mandatory team meeting. Film room, 7 AM, no exceptions. Maya arrived early, found the room already half full. Players scattered across seats, some alert, most still half asleep.
Ethan nodded at her from the front row. Maya took a seat in the middle, not too close to anyone, not isolating herself either.
Middle ground. Literally and figuratively.
Coach appeared exactly at 7, tablet in hand, looking like he hadn't slept. "Morning. Today we talk strategy. Golden Gate Academy is the best team we'll face all season. They're bigger, faster, and they've been to the finals three years running."
He pulled up game footage on the screen. Golden Gate in action, dismantling their previous opponent 4-1.
"They're good," Tank muttered.
"They're very good," Coach agreed. "But they have weaknesses. And we're going to exploit every single one."
The footage showed Golden Gate's defense. Organized, disciplined, but occasionally vulnerable on the counter.
