The sun blazed high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling city of Lagos. It was a scorching Saturday afternoon, with the heat of the day feeling like the sun was just mere inches away from the earth
At Charlie Queens Academy, the Queens gathered in the school at precisely 12 noon for a crucial team meeting. As planned, they discussed their strategy and game plan for the game during the meeting. United by their shared dreams and unwavering determination, they boarded the school bus that had recently been repaired and returned to service. As they made their way to the arena, a palpable sense of purpose filled the air
During the warm up session, the Queens, dressed in their warm-up kit, took their positions on one side of the court. Each player held and shot balls with practiced precision, their movements a testament to the countless hours of training under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Lawal. On the opposite side, the Rose Mary High School also gathered to warm up, a silent acknowledgement of the fierce competition that awaited them
Spectators filled the arena, eager to the impending clash between the exceptional teams. Arriving early in anticipation of another thrilling match, they buzzed with excitement, their cheers and chatter a symphony of anticipation
The rhythmic bouncing of the ball filled the ball as Aisa, the ace of the Rose Mary High School, suddenly called out to the Queens. As they turned, she executed a solo alley-oop that left the Queens in stunned silence, the crowd erupting in a deafening roar
"Ah! Is this what we will be dealing with today?" Oluchi asked, fear etched in her face as she exchanged worried glances with her teammates
"We're screwed!" Mayowa exclaimed, voicing the concerns that raced through her mind
Just as their unease reached its peak, a familiar, rhythmic bouncing of the ball from their own end of the court drew their attention. With bated breath, the Queens watched as Tosin, their own ace and captain, showcased her incredible jumping abilities, soaring through the air from the free-throw line and slamming the ball into the hoop with an awe- inspiring force
The spectators couldn't contain their excitement, their cheers and applause filling the arena as the Queens gazed at Tosin with a mix of admiration and relief. Even the Rose Mary High Scheol Team Players couldn't help but be impressed by her prowess, their expressions growing serious as they recognize the challenge that lay ahead
"I almost forgot that the Queens still have her," Tracy said, her voice tinged with a newfound respect for their opponents
"Her jumps are something too," Hannah added, a smile playing at her lips as she relished the opportunity to go up against such an impressive adversary, "Seeing them up close, I want to go up against her. I wish she was my matchup opponent today."
As the tension mounted, Aisa couldn't help but grin, her excitement infectious as she proclaimed, "This should be fun!"
As the clock ticked ever closer to the start of the much-awaited game, both teams retreated into their respective locker rooms for final preparation and pep talks. The air was electric with anticipation, as each player knew the significance of the upcoming match
In the Rose Mary High School Basketball Team locker room…
"So, girls," Coach Tunde began, his voice filled with determination, "we are up against the Charlie Queens Academy today. With the Rose Newton High School's place in both the final of the playoffs and the Christmas Champions Cup all but secured, this game will decide the second and final Lagos representative at this year's Christmas Champions Cup. With that said, we will treat this game like a game against the Victorious Varsity,"
"Yes, sir!" The Rose Mary High School Team players chorused; their resolve evident in their unified response
"With all that said, Vicky, Tracy, Aanu, our own ace and captain Aisa, and Hannah. These five will be our starting line-up today." Coach Tunde declared
"Yes, sir!" The Rose Mary High School Team players chorused once more, their determination to succeed shining through
"Let's go give them hell!" Coach Tunde concluded; his words met with a resounding "YEAH!" from the team as they prepared to take the court
Meanwhile at the Queens' locker room…
"Girls, well done making it all the way to the semifinal. You've fought hard. And now, we are just 1 W away from sealing our spot at the Christmas Champions Cup this year. Only one team stands in our way today – the Rose Mary High School. Chioma, Mercy, Shalom, Tosin, and Eno – these five will be our starting line-ups today" Mrs. Lawal announced, her pride in the Queens' accomplishments clear in her voice
"Yes, ma'am!" the Queens chorused, their excitement mounting as the reality of their opportunity set in
As Oluchi noticed her absence from the starting line-up, her visible irritation could not be hidden. However, the rest of the team rallied behind their coach's decision, eager to take on the challenge that awaited them
"Go get them!" Mrs. Lawal concluded; her words met with a resounding "YEAH!" from the Queens as they made their way to the court
As the Queens gathered for one last huddle, Tosin took the lead, her voice filled with passion and determination. "Three years ago, we got to this point and lost. We were so close yet so far from our dreams. We've got another chance to achieve it this year. Let's leave everything on the court so we will have no regrets!" she declared, her words resonating deeply with her teammates
"YEAH!" the Queens, donning their away white kit with pink stripes, yelled in unison, their spirits lifted by Tosin's rousing speech
"Alright, let's go! 3! 2! 1! Charlie Queens! Fight!" Tosin yelled, the Queens' energy reaching its peak as they prepare to take the court
"YEAH!" The Queens chorused, their voice echoing throughout the arena as they broke from their huddle
As both teams took their positions on the court, a sudden wave of cheers erupted from one section of the stands. To the Queens' surprise, the Charlie Queens Academy Students, Teachers, Principal, Vice Principals and other staffs had arrived to show their unwavering support. They were able to occupy 39% of the stands. The sea of pink outfits, accompanied by the beat of drums and the sound of trumpets, filled the Queens with gratitude and determination
"Wow! I wasn't expecting to see everyone here," Shalom exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock
"But the school was empty when we went there today, wasn't it?" Tosin pointed out, equally astonished by the turnout
"I guess they must have come all the way from their homes," Mercy said, a warm smile spreading across her face
"Alright, guys," Tosin declared, her voice brimming with gratitude and resolve, "They sacrificed their time and came all the way to watch us play. We have to repay their support with our victory today and earn a ticket to the Christmas Champions Cup!"
"YEAH!" The Queens chorused once more; their hearts filled with a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare to fight for their dreams and the unwavering support of their Charlie Queens Academy Family
"Now then, let's go on a trip to destruction city, shall we?" Tosin said, putting on a serious expression
As the referee's whistle blew, the tension reached its peak. Both teams were ready to give their all for a chance to represent Lagos at the Christmas Champions Cup. The referee tossed the ball high into the air, and Eno, with a fierce focus, leaped to secure possession for her team
In split seconds, Hannah challenged Eno for the aerial battle, their bodies colliding as they reached for the ball. To Eno's astonishment, Hannah's insane explosive jumping power gave her the advantage despite taking off after Eno, tapping the ball to her teammate Vicky and leaving Eno irritated by the unforeseen turn of events
Vicky quickly sent a pass to Aanu, who wasted no time dribbling past Shalom, her movements a blur as the Rose Mary High School Team advanced towards the Queens' hoop. With their opponents on the verge of scoring the first point of the game, Mercy intervened, managing to stop Aanu's run with her quick reflexes
However, Aanu's strategic pass to the unguarded Tracy caught the Queens off guard. Without hesitation, Tracy unleashed a jump shot from behind the arc, her form impeccable as the ball soared through the air. The net swished, pierced by the ball's forceful trajectory, and the crowd erupted into a deafening roar
"Damn it, they got us." Mrs. Lawal snapped from the bench, her frustration evident as the Rose Mary High School Team seized the early lead
As the game resume, the Queens took possession of the ball, and Chioma skillfully dribbled her way up the court. Despite Vicky's valiant efforts to halt her progress, Chioma evaded her with ease and executed a jump shot inside the paint. The ball swished through the net, earning the Queens their first points and eliciting a chorus of musical cheers from the Charlie Queens Academy supporters' club and spectators alike
"The Queens don't have a single average player, do they?" Vicky remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Aisa replied with a smile, relishing the challenge
"Well, whatever they throw at us, we'll give it back to them twice as good," Hannah chimed in
"YEAH!" The Rose Mary High School Team chorused in agreement; their spirits high
The game continued, this time with the Rose Mary High School Team in possession of the ball. Vicky led the charge, dribbling deftly through the court, only to have her advance halted by Chioma's steadfast defense
"You're good too. And you were not in the last game against the African Church," Vicky said, her curiosity piqued as she bounced the ball rhythmically
"Well, my senior over there at the bench is the best point guard we have on our team," Chioma explained, gesturing towards Oluchi. "I'm just being used as an assistant for backup. I'll give it my all whenever the team needs me"
"Oh? I love that spirit," Vicky said, her face momentarily brightening with a smile before quickly turning serious once more. "However, we'll still win"
Vicky attempted to dribble past Chioma, but Chioma remained steadfast in her defense, thwarting Vicky's efforts at every turn. In a desperate move, Vicky forced a shot towards the hoop. The ball sailed through the air, only to bounce off the rim, creating an opportunity for a rebounding battle between Eno and Hannah
Eno launched herself into the air first, determined to win the aerial battle this time around, but Hannah's explosive jumps granted her the advantage, allowing her to snatch the rebound and slam the ball into the hoop. The Rose Mary High School Team bench, and spectators roared in approval, while Eno, frustrated by her defeat, grew increasingly irritated'
As the Queens regained control of the ball, Chioma took the lead of their attack, her eyes scanning the court for potential opponents. Upon spotting Vicky approaching, Chioma swiftly passed the ball to Shalom and disregarding Vicky's taunt remarks. Unfazed by Vicky's attempt to provoke her, Chioma remained focused on the game.
Vicky's thoughts drifting on her opponent's unpredictable nature. "I can't predict her next move. She's an annoying opponent. Was she bluffing about not being the best point guard on her team? I have to be on my guard at all times in this game," she mused
Shalom, closely guarded by Aanu, managed to dribble past her, leaving Aanu stunned by her agility. Charging towards the hoop, Shalom found herself face-to-face with Hannah, who moved to stop her. Undeterred, Shalom executed a lightning-fast double-clutch layup, inciting another wave of musical cheers from their Charlie Queens Academy supporters' club
"Damn it, she's fast. I'll give her that" Hannah admitted, her voice tinged with admiration for Shalom's speed
"Don't underestimate the Queens. If we let our guard down, we will be digging our own graves," Aisa warned her teammates, her gaze fixed on the determined Queens
With Vicky leading the attack once more, she tried her best to penetrate Chioma's defense, but the Queen's unwavering guard proved too formidable. Realizing the futility of her attempts, Vicky passed the ball to their ace, Aisa. As soon as Aisa touched the ball, the spectators roared, eager to witness the talented youngster's skills in action
"Yo, Tosin. I've looked forward to this day – a day when we go head-to-head against each other with something on the line. But now it's here. I'm going to crush you seriously," Aisa said with a bright smile
"Hah, bring it on," Tosin replied, her resolve unshaken
As the shot clock ticked down to 10, Aisa made her move. She took off for a three-pointer, causing Tosin to react immediately, only to be outmaneuvered by Aisa's subtle fake. Her movements smooth and swift, Aisa danced past Tosin, leaving her stunned and off-balance. Seizing the opportunity, Aisa unleashed a powerful slam dunk, avoiding every defender before her and sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement
As play resumed, Chioma found herself in possession of the ball. Dribbling skillfully through the opposing defense, she expertly beat Vicky and executed a deft double-clutch layup, evading the combined effort of Hannah and Aanu's double-team defense. The crowd roared in response, and the Charlie Queens Academy supporters' club erupted in musical celebration
"Chioma is something else. Let's have Vicky and Tracy double-team her," Aisa suggested, her mind racing to find a solution to Chioma's unstoppable prowess
"That'd be the best way to stop her," Aanu agreed, recognizing the strategic potential of the proposed approach
The game continued, with Vicky leading the attack of the Rose Mary High School Team. She passed the ball to Aanu who swiftly leaped for a three-pointer. The ball soared through the air but was deflected by Shalom's fingertip, causing a rebounding opportunity for Eno and Hannah. This time, Hannah took off first, tapping the ball into the net and eliciting an uproar from the spectators
In the ensuing play, Chioma took charge of the Queens' attack, only to be confronted by a formidable double-team defense
"What?" Chioma snapped, her frustration mounting at the sight of the coordinated opposition
"If we can't stop you with one, we'll shut you down with two," Vicky declared with a confident smile
"A double team?" Tosin reacted, assessing the situation with a discerning eye
"We are doing all it takes to crush you guys" Aisa said, her expression serious
"Interesting" Tosin replied, a wry smile forming on her lips as she welcomed the challenge
Faced with the intense pressure of the double-team defense, Chioma rhythmically bounce the ball, biding her time. With only five seconds left in the first quarter, she spotted an opening and tossed a pass to the unguarded Mercy
"Sweet" Mercy said with a satisfied grin, receiving the pass and unleashing a three-pointer. The ball sailed through the air, landing perfectly in the hoop and tying the score just as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the first quarter. The crowd erupted in a symphony of roaring cheers and musical celebration, both sides eager to see what the next quarter would bring