Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Last Day of Tryouts
Loxus PoV
[Earlier]
Loxus panted as the last day of tryouts continued. For some reason, that noisy guy hadn't shown up. Had he sprained his leg or something the other day?
Not that he cared about the guy, but he would need him to make his dream of winning nationals a reality.
Even that silver haired guy, Drew left soon after he saw his old high school rival wasn't there.
No one was even close to catching up to him. It made him feel a bit hollow inside. He would've loved to have defeated Wilt and Drew in a race. Yesterday they had a three way tie.
The coach blew his whistle. "Alright, warm-ups are done. Now I'm gonna divide you guys into four groups of five. One match will take the left side of the court and the other the right.
Loxus stared at the baskets on the sides of the gym. The distance wouldn't be the usual full distance of a game. Would he even get any pushback?
With a sigh, Loxus fell into line as the coach began dividing them into groups. He scanned his team, noting the mix of familiar and new faces. They were good players, he knew, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Without Wilt and Drew, the competition felt lacking.
The coach's voice broke through his thoughts, "Alright, team. Let's make this count."
As the game started, Loxus took his position. He could feel the familiar thrill of competition coursing through his veins. He watched as the opposing team took possession of the ball, his eyes following every move.
The game was intense, each team giving their all. But Loxus couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. The thrill of matching up against Wilt, the challenge of outmaneuvering Drew, the satisfaction of winning against them. It all felt hollow without them there.
Nevertheless, he pushed on, refusing to let his performance suffer. He made shot after shot, his determination unwavering, turning the once intense game into a one-sided blood bath.
He could hear the coach yelling at his team's opponents to keep going and the cheers of his teammates. But it all sounded distant, like he was underwater.
His eyes widened as he felt a breeze. He turned and saw Sylvester rush past him, stealing the ball.
Loxus snickered. Right, that shy guy was the only other one who showed any promise besides him.
His amusement was quickly replaced with a spark of competitiveness. As Sylvester ran, Loxus could see his shy demeanor give way to sheer determination. It was as if he had morphed into a different person on the court.
Without wasting a moment, Loxus gave chase. He could feel a surge of adrenaline as he tapped into his own signature move, the Night Panther. He moved swiftly, quietly, his steps barely making a sound. He was a shadow, a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
Just as he was about to reach Sylvester, the latter seemed to sense him. His eyes widened, and in an impressive display of quick thinking, Sylvester executed his own power move. The ball was sent flying across the court towards a big guy on his team.
The big guy, caught by surprise, fumbled a bit but managed to catch the ball. He quickly regained his balance and took a shot at the basket. The ball swished through the net, earning their team a point.
Loxus couldn't help but grin. This was the kind of challenge he was looking for. The kind of pushback that made the game exciting.
He turned to Sylvester, a new found respect in his eyes. "Nice move," he said, extending his hand for a fist bump. Sylvester looked surprised but returned the gesture.
The game resumed, the intensity heightened. Loxus played with renewed vigor, his competitive spirit ignited.
His other rivals might not be here, but it seemed like he might have found a new one.
Loxus eyed Sylvester, shadowing his movements. He wasn't going to let Sylvester's team land another basket.
As the game continued, Loxus kept his eye on Sylvester. He was quick, agile, but Loxus had a trick up his sleeve. He tapped into his signature move, the Night Panther, once again. He moved like a shadow, mirroring Sylvester's moves on the court.
Sylvester made a break for it, trying to speed past Loxus, but he was ready. With his power move, he easily kept pace, his eyes locked on the ball. Sylvester attempted a quick feint, but Loxus was not fooled. He stuck to Sylvester like a shadow, not giving him an inch.
The intensity of the game went up a notch as the two of them clashed. It was a battle of wills, a test of skill. Loxus found himself grinning despite the tension. This was what he lived for, the thrill of competition.
As Sylvester started to slow, his breath coming out in harsh pants, Loxus remembered something. Sylvester had low stamina during laps. A small smirk played on his lips. It seemed like he had found his opponent's weak point.
He pushed himself harder, keeping up the pressure. He could see Sylvester's face growing pale, his movements becoming sluggish. Loxus seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and making a break for the basket.
He could hear the cheers of his teammates as he scored, his heart pounding in his chest. He turned around to see Sylvester doubled over, gasping for breath. A sense of satisfaction washed over him.
"Is that all you can do? You won't ever become a part of the real team with that kind of weak ass stamina."
Sylvester looked up, his green eyes piercing.
Loxus smirked at the guy's mean look. Good. He feared what was left of the game was about to get boring.
"Are you just going to stand there?" Loxus taunted, tossing the ball up and catching it effortlessly. "Or are you going to make this game interesting?"
Sylvester straightened up, his gaze never leaving Loxus. The look in his eyes was enough to tell Loxus that he had lit a fire in him. The game was far from over.
The whistle blew, signaling the continuation of the game. Sylvester's team had possession of the ball. Loxus watched as Sylvester moved across the court, his pace slower but his moves more calculated. Loxus couldn't help but be intrigued.
Sylvester passed the ball to a teammate, then moved to position himself near the basket. Loxus followed, his eyes locked on Sylvester. He was planning something, that much was clear.
The ball was passed back to Sylvester. He feigned to the left, throwing Loxus off for a split second. In that moment, Sylvester took his shot. The ball sailed through the air and swished through the net.
The cheers of Sylvester's teammates echoed in the gym, but all Loxus could hear was his own heartbeat. He looked at Sylvester, his smirk replaced with a look of surprise. He hadn't expected Sylvester to make a comeback so soon.
"Not bad," Loxus said, nodding. He couldn't wait to see what else Sylvester had up his sleeve.
The game continued, the intensity of the match increasing with each passing minute. Loxus found himself pushing harder. He wasn't just playing to win, he was playing to prove himself.
As the final whistle blew, marking the end of the game, Loxus was panting heavily. He looked at Sylvester, who was leaning against the wall, his breaths coming out in harsh pants. Despite his earlier taunt, Loxus couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for him.
The game might have started out one-sided, but Sylvester had turned it around. He might not have the best stamina, but he had spirit, and that was something Loxus admired.
He eyed the coach. Now it was time to see who made the cut and who failed.
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