BETWEEN WORLDS - Chapter 13
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The scoreboard clock reset for the second half, its red digits marking ten minutes for the third quarter. Azeil Carter leaned forward on the bench, studying Westbrook's players as they entered with renewed energy. Their posture had changed, shoulders squared, chins raised, confident in their adjustments.
Especially Flash Johnson, whose demeanor shifted from frustration to focused determination. He approached the game with urgency, aware that seven points in the first half had damaged his reputation.
"They've got something up their sleeves," Azeil murmured, and Devon nodded.
"Flash looks angry."
As the third quarter began, Flash demanded the ball, ignoring the play to isolate against Zahair, an undeniable show of individual will. Flash surged past Zahair for a reverse layup that silenced the crowd. He then picked off a pass and scored in transition, followed by a clutch pull-up three-pointer. As a result, Langston's lead dissipated, turning into a Westbrook lead.
Coach Booker appeared calm, yet Azeil noticed the subtle signs of tension in his posture.
"Time out, Langston!" The referee's call cut through the noise. Azeil saw the scoreboard: Langston 36, Westbrook 40. A significant momentum shift.
"They've made their adjustment," Coach Booker said firmly. "Now we make ours." He turned to Azeil. "Carter, you're in for Raffiel. We need your eyes out there."
The substitution meant more than swapping players; it was a strategic shift. Raffiel nodded in acknowledgment as Azeil approached the scorer's table.
"Stay connected on Flash," Coach said to Zahair.
Zahair nodded, sweat glistening, as the referee signaled the end of the timeout. Azeil glanced at the stands, his father leaning forward, Nia watching intently, before focusing fully on the game. Azeil jogged onto the court, instinctively assuming the defensive stance his mother had taught him. Flash Johnson noticed him from across the court.
"Let's see what Highland's really got," Flash called.
Azeil's intensity spoke for him. As play resumed, he positioned himself, mentally anticipating Westbrook's likely offensive moves. This was basketball as chess, both physical and mental.
Flash targeted Azeil, calling for an isolation. The Westbrook offense cleared out.
"Let's see what you've got, Highland," Flash taunted, starting a flashy dribble sequence.
Azeil recognized the move from film study and stayed disciplined, refusing to bite on the fake. When Flash dipped his shoulder to drive right, Azeil slid to cut off the lane.
Flash adjusted, pulling back for a step-back jumper. Azeil contested without overcommitting, forcing Flash to take the shot with less space.
The ball rimmed out.
Devon secured the rebound and found Azeil with an outlet pass. As he crossed half-court, Azeil slowed the pace down, sensing a chance to change the momentum.
"Carolina!" he called, signaling the offensive set.
The Langston players moved purposefully. As the defense closed in on Devon, Azeil passed the ball to Khalil just in time. Khalil connected with a mid-range shot, reducing Westbrook's lead to two points.
"Good read," Coach Booker called.
On the next possession, Flash used a high screen, creating a favorable switch against Tyson.
"Early help, Tyson!" Azeil shouted, moving into position for support.
Flash pressed the mismatch but saw Azeil's timely help, forcing him to adjust his shot. The ball glanced off the backboard, landing in Devon's hands.
"Push!" Azeil yelled, sprinting downcourt.
Devon's outlet pass hit him at half-court, sparking a three-on-two break. Zahair filled the left lane, Khalil the right as Azeil probed the backpedaling defense.
As the trailing defender focused on Khalil, Azeil slipped in a no-look pass to Zahair, who slammed it home with an impressive dunk, pumping up the Langston crowd.
"Let's go!" Zahair exclaimed, nodding at Azeil.
The score was tied at 40, and both teams exchanged baskets for several plays, while Azeil found his rhythm.
With two minutes left in the third quarter, Coach Booker called a timeout at 46-all. "They're adjusting to us. Flash is exploiting mismatches instead of isolations."
Azeil nodded, pointing out his focus on Devon and Tyson.
"Here's our plan," Coach said, diagramming a defensive adjustment. "We switch on everything except for Flash mismatches. Zahair and Carter, fight through those screens and stay connected."
The strategy demanded perfect communication and significant effort from Azeil and Zahair, who had to navigate screens while their teammates switched, adding to their defensive load without sacrificing offense.
Zahair and Azeil exchanged a glance. "We got this," Zahair said simply, a declaration that reflected their growth.
As they broke the huddle, Azeil felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to Zahair, whose serious expression lacked hostility.
"That no-look pass was decent," Zahair said neutrally, testing new ground.
"Just giving you the ball where you needed it."
With a nod, they moved to their positions, focusing on the task ahead.
The shift happened suddenly, like a storm. Frustrated by Zahair and Azeil's defense, Flash Johnson directed Westbrook's offense toward their size advantage inside.
"They're going inside now," Coach Booker called, recognizing the tactical change.
The adjustment proved effective immediately. Two entry passes led to easy baskets for Westbrook's big men. On the third possession, when Langston collapsed to help in the post, the ball went to an open shooter for a clean three-pointer. The scoreboard showed: Langston 46, Westbrook 53, the seven-point deficit felt like a canyon.
Azeil noticed the team's energy waver, shoulders dropped, defensive rotations slowed, and offensive plays lacked conviction.
"Stay together," he found himself saying as they crossed half-court. "One possession at a time."
When Devon's rushed three-pointer missed, Westbrook pushed in transition, and Flash finished with a floater, extending their lead to nine.
"Timeout!" Coach Booker shouted. Azeil looked at the scoreboard while heading to the huddle.
Langston 46, Westbrook 55, with 5:42 left in the third quarter. Langston Hughes wasn't only losing, but momentum was also slipping away.
"They've found their groove inside," Coach said in a calm tone. "We need to disrupt it before it gets out of hand."
Azeil studied his teammates, Zahair's frustration, Devon's uncertainty, and the Johnson twins' concern. The anxiety was palpable, and momentum had left them.
"Coach," Azeil said, surprising himself. "What if we showed them a zone?"
The suggestion lingered. Zone defense had been practiced but not used in games. It was risky, surrendering man-to-man pressure for increased help coverage against Westbrook's inside game.
Coach Booker studied Azeil instead of dismissing him. "A 2-3 or 1-3-1?"
"1-3-1," Azeil answered. "Zahair disrupts their guards, and the twins challenge entry passes. Devon and I manage the baseline, rotating to help inside."
The response showed strategic thinking, not emotion.
Coach mulled it over then nodded. "1-3-1 it is. Zahair, lead the pressure; twins, challenge passes; communicate on the baseline. This is about trust. Trust the scheme and your teammates. Every possession counts."
As the timeout ended, players felt renewed focus. Zahair remarked, "This zone better work," reflecting their competitive spirit.
"It'll work if we make it work," Azeil replied.
Westbrook's guards were initially confused by Langston's 1-3-1, leading to a shot-clock violation. Coach Booker cheered, "Now make them pay!" The energy shifted as Khalil dished to Devon for a corner three, silencing Westbrook fans. Langston's zone defense evolved into an advantage, causing Westbrook's offense to falter. A Devon interception resulted in a fast break, prompting Westbrook's coach to call timeout.
The comeback was being reflected in the scoreboard.
Langston 53, Westbrook 55.
With 2:16 left in the third quarter, a nine-point deficit became just a single possession. Their bench regained psychological advantage, confidence replaced uncertainty.
"They'll adjust," Azeil cautioned, predicting Westbrook's counter. "They'll probably overload one side."
Coach nodded. "That's why we adjust too." He sketched a new zone alignment to handle Westbrook's overload. "It's about anticipation and communication. See it before it happens."
The fourth quarter opened with Westbrook ahead 58-57, their earlier cushion erased by Langston's zone defense. Both coaches had made critical adjustments during the break, each seeking tactical supremacy in the final eight minutes.
Westbrook altered their approach, positioning Flash Johnson in the high post to exploit the zone's vulnerable area for both scoring and playmaking.
"Middle, middle!" Azeil called out as Flash caught the pass at the free-throw line. The zone scrambled to adjust but arrived too late; Flash knocked down the mid-range jumper, his celebration muted as the stakes escalated.
The teams traded leads within a one-to-five-point range, until Westbrook stretched their advantage to eight following back-to-back three-pointers with five minutes remaining. Langston's confidence wavered under the weight of potential defeat.
"Time!" Coach Booker called over the triumphant Westbrook faithful, sensing their team's growing momentum. The scoreboard showed Langston 63, Westbrook 71, and the eight-point deficit felt psychologically overwhelming. Yet Coach Booker maintained his composure, concentrating on adjustments. "They've exposed the zone's weaknesses; we're switching back to man-to-man. Zahair, take Flash initially, but we'll rotate defenders. Carter, you'll get the second assignment, make him earn everything." He stressed attacking the rim, urging them to avoid difficult shots. "This game's far from finished. We need to play with belief." Azeil observed his teammates' determination, detecting no surrender in their expressions.
"One final point: trust each other. Trust what we've built. Now go execute."
As they returned to the floor, Azeil felt Zahair's hand on his shoulder. "When you guard Flash," Zahair offered, "force him baseline. He'll try right first, but he hasn't made anything going left tonight."
"Got it," Azeil acknowledged, the response carrying deeper weight. "Baseline it is."
The moment was brief, yet its significance transcended basketball, representing mutual respect between former adversaries.
The intensity heightened. Westbrook aimed to preserve their lead while Langston attacked with desperation. Zahair hounded Flash relentlessly, forcing him to battle for every touch. When Flash managed a contested jumper, it fell short, exhaustion showing after sustained contact with Zahair's pressure.
Langston pushed the pace, Azeil locating Devon for an uncontested layup. On the following possession, Khalil took a charge, energizing the home crowd. Momentum shifted gradually, building like compound interest.
With three minutes left, Zahair drained a three-pointer off Azeil's pass, trimming Westbrook's lead to three. The gymnasium pulsed with renewed life, the crowd's anticipation mounting as upset possibilities materialized.
"Defense! Defense!" they roared, the chant reverberating through the building.
Coach Booker signaled a defensive adjustment. Azeil would shadow Flash, while Zahair shifted to an easier matchup. Flash spotted the change, his eyes lighting with opportunity.
"You again," he smirked, confidence radiating from his stance. "Let's see what you're really about, Highland."
Azeil remained silent, locking into his defensive mindset, balance and concentration were everything. Internally, focus crystallized: pure competition between equals.
Flash tested Azeil's positioning with sharp crossovers. Then came the shoulder drop Zahair had scouted, telegraphing Flash's preferred drive right. Azeil slid over to cut off the angle, staying balanced for the counter-move. When denied, Flash attempted the baseline drive, but Azeil shadowed him perfectly, contesting the difficult attempt without fouling.
The shot clanged off iron, and Devon secured the rebound. Langston pushed in transition, the Johnson twins filling lanes expertly while Azeil orchestrated from the point. The defense collapsed as he penetrated the paint, creating the perfect kickout opportunity.
"Corner!" he yelled, whipping the pass to Zahair beyond the arc.
Three weeks ago, such a crucial pass seemed inconceivable, mistrust prevented even simple cooperation. Now it flowed like basketball poetry, correct read, perfect timing, right teammate regardless of history.
Zahair caught cleanly and rose, the ball rotating with ideal backspin toward the rim. The gym held its breath, hundreds tracking the ball's flight with collective anticipation.
Swish. Langston 68, Westbrook 71. Three-point game with 2:15 remaining.
Westbrook called timeout, their coach attempting to steady rattled players as momentum swung toward the hosts. In Langston's huddle, Coach Booker stayed composed despite the surrounding electricity.
"They're pressing now," he observed, keeping his voice level. "Flash is forcing shots instead of playing patient. Maintain the pressure."
As the timeout concluded, Azeil spotted his father completely absorbed.
Westbrook inbounded to Flash, who demanded isolation at the top of the key. The offense cleared out, providing him the space he craved for a defining possession.
Azeil settled into his stance, aware of the individual battle yet conscious of the team's support. This was Langston Hughes basketball, five players functioning as one, each movement connected to collective purpose.
Flash initiated his attack, a explosive first step followed by a hesitation to create separation. But Azeil maintained contact, anticipating rather than reacting. When Flash elevated for his shot, Azeil's contest was textbook, challenging without fouling, slightly disrupting the release.
The ball struck rim, neutralized by Azeil's defense. Khalil corralled the rebound and surveyed the floor for transition opportunities.
"Go! Go!" Coach Booker urged, wanting to capitalize on Westbrook's momentary disorganization.
Khalil fed Azeil in space as defenders scrambled back. Azeil zipped a bounce pass to Devon, who finished with a smooth reverse layup that ignited the Langston faithful, slicing Westbrook's lead to one: 70-71 with 1:37 remaining in the season opener.
Westbrook worked deliberately as precious seconds ticked away. Their point guard initiated a screen-and-roll, hoping to fracture Langston's defense, but they rotated flawlessly, Zahair fighting through contact and Tyson recovering quickly. The point guard forced a contested shot that missed its mark.
"Board!" Azeil shouted, establishing position.
The Johnson twins claimed the rebound, and Khalil found Azeil with the outlet, entrusting him with this pivotal moment.
Coach Booker chose not to call timeout. Azeil advanced the ball upcourt, signaling their practiced play. Devon set a cross-screen for Zahair while Azeil spotted the weak-side opening and threaded a pass to Raffiel cutting baseline.
Raffiel, pressured by Westbrook's center, found Zahair open on the wing.
Zahair shot with confidence, the ball swishing cleanly through the net. Langston led 72-71 with 54 seconds remaining. The gym exploded in celebration.
Azeil immediately shifted to defense, locking in his focus. The emotional release could wait, the game remained unfinished.
"Defense!" he shouted, clapping sharply. "One stop!"
Westbrook pushed the ball to Flash at the key, who attacked the baseline aggressively.
Azeil read Flash's intention to reach the rim. As they approached, Flash subtly shifted his balance, telegraphing a spin move back to create separation after his drive was contained.
The spin came exactly as Azeil anticipated, but he was already in legal guarding position, braced to absorb contact.
Flash crashed into him with enough force to slide Azeil backward. The gym fell silent, officials processed the play, players froze, spectators leaned forward.
The referee's whistle shattered the quiet, signaling a charging foul on Flash, Langston ball, causing an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
"There we go!" Coach Booker yelled, his excitement barely contained. "Perfect position, Carter!"
As Azeil rose, teammates surrounded him, Zahair helped him up, the Johnson twins offered congratulations, Devon grinned broadly. This wasn't mere acceptance but genuine appreciation for his crucial defensive stand.
"Thirty-eight seconds," Coach Booker called. "Take care of the ball!"
Langston inbounded carefully. Westbrook extended their defense, desperate for a steal.
Azeil caught the pass and faced a double team from Flash and another defender. He protected his dribble, pivoting to create space without risking a turnover.
"Four!" he called, signaling their practiced press-break.
His teammates responded with purpose, creating a narrow passing lane through the pressure. Azeil delivered a one-handed bounce pass that threaded between defenders precisely.
Devon secured the ball and immediately found Zahair before Westbrook could reset. With the pressure broken, Langston faced a critical decision, attack the scrambling defense or milk the clock.
Coach Booker called from the sideline: "One shot! Run clock!"
With twelve seconds on the shot clock, Westbrook abandoned defensive discipline, double-teaming desperately to force a turnover. Zahair exploited the opening, driving hard into the gap. As three defenders collapsed, he pump-faked the contested floater, finding Khalil open along the baseline.
Khalil gathered and finished with a smooth reverse layup, extending Langston's lead to three.
"Defense!" Azeil shouted during transition. "No threes!"
Westbrook pushed frantically, time becoming their enemy. With fifteen seconds left, they ran a set for Flash to attempt a game-tying three, using staggered screens to shake Azeil.
Langston's defense communicated flawlessly, moving as one unit. When Flash received the ball, Azeil disrupted his rhythm without fouling.
Forced to adapt, Flash drove hard baseline, settling for the higher-percentage two instead of a contested three. Azeil contested cleanly as Flash attempted a difficult floater over Tyson's help defense.
The shot dropped. Langston 74, Westbrook 73. Eight seconds remained, one-point game.
Westbrook immediately called timeout. Coach Booker gathered his players, maintaining tactical focus despite their slim advantage.
"They'll foul immediately," Coach explained, diagramming the play. "Carter, you're primary. Devon and Zahair are options if they deny you. Once you catch it, protect the ball and expect contact."
The assignment reflected trust, Azeil's ball security and free-throw shooting made him ideal for this moment, no longer just the Highland transfer.
"Make them foul you," Coach emphasized. "Don't avoid contact; draw it, control it, get to the line."
Setting up for the inbound, Azeil glimpsed the stands, his father tense with hands behind his head; Nia, fierce and composed, caught his attention momentarily. These thoughts dissolved as basketball reclaimed his focus.
Devon prepared to inbound, tension mounting. Azeil used Tyson's screen to shake Flash, creating a split-second window. Devon delivered the pass perfectly. Azeil moved toward the sideline with Flash pursuing to foul and stop the clock. Rather than avoiding contact, Azeil drew the foul while maintaining possession, displaying basketball intelligence. The whistle blew at 7.2 seconds, sending him to the line to extend Langston's lead.
Silence descended as he approached, memories of a past championship game flickering. Now, however, his actions felt purposeful, connected to something larger.
Receiving the ball from the referee, Azeil entered his routine, muscle memory taking control. Three dribbles, measured and steady. A deep breath, releasing tension despite the pressure.
He shot with textbook form, elbow aligned, wrist snapped perfectly. The gym held its breath as the ball arced toward the rim.
The shot swished cleanly through the net. Langston 75, Westbrook 73. Azeil had one more attempt to potentially extend the lead to three.
Again, he followed his routine. Three dribbles. One breath. Perfect mechanics.
The second shot mirrored the first, dropping smoothly. Langston 76, Westbrook 73, holding a three-point advantage with 7.2 seconds left.
Westbrook called timeout. Coach Booker stressed, "No threes. Contest everything at the line, but don't foul shooters. Make them drive." He scanned the huddle, ensuring focus. "Seven seconds. We need perfection."
Taking the court, Azeil and Zahair exchanged glances, sharing a moment reflecting their journey from conflict to unity over three weeks. Not friendship exactly, but mutual respect forged through competition.
Westbrook inbounded to Flash, who immediately navigated staggered screens designed to create space for a game-tying three. Langston's defense communicated seamlessly, switching when necessary and fighting through picks.
When Flash caught the ball with four seconds remaining, Azeil and Zahair collapsed on him. Their pressure forced Flash into dribbling, precious time bleeding away. He tried a step-back, but Zahair read it perfectly, staying attached. With the clock unwinding, Flash launched a contested three over Zahair's outstretched hand.
The shot escaped his fingers with poor rotation, its arc flatter than needed. The buzzer sounded as it sailed toward the rim, the game's fate suspended in its path.
The ball struck the back iron and caromed out as the horn blared, triggering pandemonium. Final score: Langston 76, Westbrook 73. Azeil stood frozen, momentarily overwhelmed as his teammates erupted, Devon leaping onto Tyson's shoulders, the Johnson twins executing their signature handshake, Coach Booker breaking into a rare grin. Rashaad yanked Azeil into the chaos, shouting, "That's what I'm talking about! Way to step up, Highland!"
The nickname had transformed from mockery to acceptance; Azeil no longer stood apart but belonged, his place earned through commitment.
As the team clustered at center court, Azeil found himself facing Zahair. For an instant, old friction surfaced, but Zahair offered his hand, extending genuine acknowledgment of their shared triumph.
"Solid defense at the end," Zahair said as they clasped hands, the understated recognition carrying more meaning than flowery words.
"You read that step-back perfectly," Azeil responded, offering honest appreciation without forced sentiment. Their exchange wasn't friendship, too much history for that, but earned respect.
Coach Booker called them together briefly before heading to the locker room, his face mixing satisfaction with forward momentum. "That's fighting through adversity," he declared, his voice piercing the celebration. "That's what coming together looks like."
As the team scattered, Azeil spotted his father at the courtside railing, pride replacing his characteristic restraint. Their gazes locked, and Jackson nodded, communicating volumes without words.
Close by, Nia and Zoe wore expressions of vindication, understanding the game's deeper meaning, witnessing personal transformation beyond statistics.
Azeil sensed something shifting inside, not resolution, but movement where stagnation had reigned. The grief from his mother's passing lingered, but fresh bonds had taken root. He now walked alongside teammates who meant more than basketball partners. Azeil grasped that he belonged here, not despite life's breaks, but because of them. Each setback had guided him to this team, this gym, honoring his mother's memory through his development.
The game-winner at Highland Prep had defined him then, but this victory at Langston Hughes meant something greater, shared success built on connection, not isolation, authentic expression over desperate performance.
For the first time since losing his mother, Azeil felt not just history's burden but tomorrow's possibility.
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Between Worlds is a fiction novel by Craig Griffin. New chapters post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Subscribe to get them delivered to your inbox.