I dribbled the ball, watching the final seconds tick off the clock, the score read 69-52. We had just defeated Fort Myers, our third-round opponent. It had been a weekend full of intense games against Palm Beach and Fort Myers, but we emerged victorious, securing our place in the next round. The thought of heading to the Final Four in Orlando filled us with excitement and anticipation.

The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, we erupted into cheers and rushed to the locker room. The atmosphere was electric as we celebrated our hard-fought victory. Music blared from a stereo, and we danced and sang, basking in the joy of our achievement.

Amidst the celebration, Coach Vodicka gathered us together, a proud smile on her face. "Alright, ladies," she said, holding up a piece of paper. "I'm proud of how we played. We need to clean it up on the turnovers though. We got too careless at some points of the game. Defensively, I loved the intensity that y'all played with. Now, on this paper, I have the final four teams that will play in Orlando. Palmetto High against Winter Haven, Spring River against Clearwater. Keep your focus up. Two more games till we host another trophy."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the team. Winter Haven was a formidable opponent, but we were ready for the challenge. The road to the Final Four was tough, but our spirits were high, and we knew that together, we could overcome any obstacle.

As the celebration continued, we couldn't help but feel a sense of unity and purpose. Our journey was far from over, but with each victory, our confidence grew stronger. We were ready to face Winter Haven and take one step closer to our ultimate goal.

***

The school week ran by so fast, Friday was already here. We had a small pep rally dedicated to us. It was fun and cute.

While I was leaning against the gym wall, I spotted Jalen approaching with a shy smile on his face.

"Hey Bethany."

"Hey Jalen."

He held up a colorful sign. "We made this in Home Ec class. Do you like it?"

The sign read: "BETHANY CHAMPIONSHIPS." The letters were bold and bright, and it was adorned with little basketball doodles.

"I love it. Thank you so much."

"You can keep it if you want. We were just going to hang it up on the wall someplace."

"The wall is fine. We can show a little school spirit."

"Okay, I will."

Before he turned away, I gently grabbed his arm. "Hey."

"Yes?"

"Remember when... remember when I was madly in love with you?"

Jalen chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I remember when you couldn't speak whenever I was around. Yes, I do."

I laughed, a bit embarrassed. "Well... yeah, that was so embarrassing looking back at it. But... remember when we were sitting by the pool, talking about futures and going to Disney World?"

"I do," he said, his smile softening.

"Well, I mean, Disney World is a short drive away," I said, half-jokingly, but with a hint of nostalgia.

Jalen paused, considering my words. "Bethany, go with your team. You'll enjoy it more with them, with Reina, than you ever would with me."

"I know..." I sighed. "I was just thinking. Stupid thoughts."

He shook his head. "Not stupid, just memories. And good ones at that. I hope you still don't fall in pools."

"I don't anymore. But that was funny," I chuckled.

We stood there for a moment, the echoes of our past selves mingling with the excitement of the present. It felt like closure, a peaceful acknowledgment of where we'd been and where we were going.

"This may sound stupid, but...when I first had feelings for you, I had these imaginary colors that would surround your entire body. It was like a painting that I created in my head, a small little world around a crush. It's probably the stupidest thing in the world, but it meant so much for me"

"I don't think it's stupid. It's your on way of expressing your feelings," Jalen replied, his voice gentle and understanding.

I glanced over and saw Reina in the background, celebrating and smiling with my teammates. "But then one day, the colors just surrounded Reina, and I was confused, wondering why they could be there. Then every time I saw her, the colors wouldn't go away. It felt very conflicting. But now, every time I see her, those colors don't disappear. I never want them to disappear ever again."

"I support you and whatever you and Reina do. You two honestly look like a very cute couple. "

"Thanks, Jalen," I said, grateful for his understanding. "I'm sorry for telling you this silly trope. It's just been in the back of my mind."

"I didn't think it was silly."

"It's funny. One decision you can make, can turn into you loving somebody else."

"I agree."

I hugged Jalen, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. His warmth and frienship were comforting, solidifying our bond.

"Thank you for listening."

"Anytime, Bethany," he replied, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder before heading back to his friends. "I'm going to be on the party bus to Orlando. I better see an all-time Bethany Buckers performance."

As he walked away, I smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The sign on the wall was a reminder of how far I'd come, not just as a player, but as a person. I thought of the upcoming game, my teammates, and Reina. The future felt bright, and I was ready to embrace it.

***

A long three-hour bus ride later, we finally arrived at our destination: the Kia Center, home of the Orlando Magic. The excitement on the bus had been palpable, but stepping inside the massive arena took everything to a whole new level. As we walked onto the court, the sheer size and grandeur of the place hit me. It was special, and I wanted to savor every moment of it.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Emma said, her eyes wide as she looked around the arena.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Reina added, practically bouncing on her feet with excitement.

I took a deep breath and let the reality of the moment sink in. "This is what we've been working towards all season."

Coach Vodicka clapped her hands, gathering us in a huddle. "Alright, team, soak it all in. This is your moment. But remember, we're here to play our game. Stay focused and enjoy it."

We nodded, a mixture of nerves and determination coursing through us. It was surreal to be standing on the same court where professional athletes played, but we were ready.

As we broke from the huddle, Carly nudged me with a grin. "You'll be playing in arenas like this next year."

I laughed, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Yeah, it's wild."

We spent the next few minutes warming up, running through drills, and getting a feel for the court. The echoes of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers filled the air, adding to the energy of the moment.

As the clock ticked closer to game time, I took a moment to pause and look around. The stands were starting to fill with spectators, the anticipation building. I caught Reina's eye and gave her a thumbs-up, feeling grateful to be here with her and the rest of my team.

"This is it," I thought to myself. "Let's make it count."

Hours passed by, and it was finally time for the game. I suited up, putting my hair in a ponytail, and adjusted my knee sleeves. My jersey felt perfect on me, and I had my pregame Harry Styles tunes blasting in my earbuds. Emma and I went through our usual pregame dance routine, which somehow ended up being the Macarena this time. Meanwhile, Carly came back from her mysterious pregame smoke (and I still couldn't figure out where she managed to sneak that in this arena), and Reina was once again taking a pregame nap.

Coach Vodicka walked in and clapped her hands to get our attention. "Listen up, girlies. Listen." We quickly gathered around her. "This is probably the best team we'll face all year. They're quick, tall, and they love to shoot. Bethany, you're going to have to guard Cameron. I can handle two points from her, but not three."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility but also the excitement of the challenge.

"They like to run up and down the court, so sprint back on defense. We worked too hard to fall again in the semis, ladies. I want to coach again on Saturday, and I know y'all want to play on Saturday. Seniors, remember the feeling you had last year? You're not going to feel it again. Go out and win! GO OUT AND WIN!"

Our locker room erupted with energy, and we were ready to rumble. Emma and I gave our pregame speeches, fueling the fire in our teammates, and we burst out of the locker room. I waited for Reina, and once again, we had our pregame kiss and slap for good luck.

We ran out onto the court, adrenaline pumping through our veins, and saw Winter Haven warming up on the other side. There was Cameron Laycox, the number one junior in the country, committed to play ball at UConn. She was fantastic—tall, long arms, incredibly quick, and just an amazing basketball player.

"That's Cameron Laycox?" Emma asked, standing beside me.

"Yup. She's incredible."

"Nervous?"

"Never," I replied, more to reassure myself than anything else. I knew it was going to be a tough game, but I was ready to give it my all.

"Let's do this," I said to myself, determined to rise to the occasion.

Our starting five—Reina, Carly, Emma, Taylor, and me—took our positions on the court. I glanced at Cameron and gave her a fist pump, knowing I was ready for this battle. The referee blew the whistle, and Taylor leapt gracefully into the air, her fingers brushing the ball first. She directed it toward Reina, who dashed down the court with blazing speed. The crowd erupted in cheers as the game began.

I passed the ball with precision, working together seamlessly as we moved it around the perimeter. Reina found Carly on the wing, and with a flick of her wrist, Carly released the ball. It soared through the air, a perfect arc, before swishing through the net for the first three points of the game. We were off to a strong start.

Winter Haven responded quickly. Cameron dribbled past me and Emma with lightning speed and drove to the basket for a layup. She was fast and skillful. I knew this would be a tough battle with her. The first quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, each team answering the other's challenges. Taylor, our defensive anchor, was relentless in blocking shots, thwarting Winter Haven's attempts to gain an edge.

As the minutes ticked by, the intensity of the game only increased. Cameron's presence in the paint was a constant reminder of our team's main weakness and her rebounding kept Winter Haven in possession. We hustled on every play, refusing to give up ground. The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the first quarter with the score tied at 18-18. We huddled together, our spirits high, knowing that we were in for a tough fight but ready for whatever came next.

"I never said this would be easy," Coach Vodicka said. "You're going to have to take it! Take it!"

The second quarter began, Winter Haven adjusted their defense, focusing on shutting down me who had been our top scorer so far. They tried to double team me but I was quick and smart with the ball.

With their attention on me, I threw Reina the ball at the top of the key. She faked right, then cut left, managing to get past their defender. With a quick jump shot, she sent the ball arcing toward the basket. It swished through the net, and we pulled ahead by two points.

They pressed aggressively, their defense tightening around us like a snake. We struggled to maintain control, and the turnovers started to mount. Cameron continued her assault, hitting a series of shots that gave them the lead. We were being pushed to our limits.

By halftime, Winter Haven was up 38-30. We trudged to the locker room, feeling the weight of the deficit. Coach's halftime speech was fiery and motivating. 

"This game isn't about talent. This game is about heart and who has the most." she declared, her voice booming in the small space. "Whoever has the most heart these next two quarters wins the game."

The third quarter was where the game took a dramatic turn. Our defense tightened, each player stepping up to their role. Taylor and Reina formed an impenetrable wall in the paint, blocking shots and securing rebounds.

Emma found her rhythm and hit a crucial three-pointer, igniting our scoring run. Her confidence was contagious, and the rest of us fed off her energy. We moved the ball swiftly, finding gaps in Winter Haven's defense and exploiting them. Every point brought us closer, narrowing the gap that had seemed so daunting at halftime.

But Winter Haven wasn't backing down. Their defense remained fierce, and Cameron was relentless. She danced around our defenders, her footwork a blur as she sought opportunities to score. With each basket she made, the pressure on us intensified. But we were undeterred, our focus unshakable.

With a minute left in the quarter, Carly found herself double-teamed, the opposing players closing in. She scanned the court, searching for an opening, and found me. I caught the ball, saw Reina cutting to the basket, and delivered a quick bounce pass. Reina scored with an acrobatic layup, and the crowd erupted. The score was 52-50, with Winter Haven still ahead, but the momentum was shifting in our favor.

I quickly handled the girls around me.

"Stay tight of your players. Let me handle the offense. I'll get us the ball and the best shots. Be ready."

The final quarter was a test of willpower and endurance. Both teams were exhausted but unwilling to give an inch. The gym was electric, the tension thick as the game hung in the balance. The lead changed hands multiple times, each possession critical in this tight contest. We knew we had to dig deep and give it everything we had.

Each shot that I made, Cameron would make one. It started to turn into a one on one match between us. Two of the best girl basketball players in the country. Everything I did, she could do. It was like watching boxers going shot for shot in the arena.

With two minutes left, we were down by three. Our fans were on their feet, urging us on with cheers and chants. The pressure was immense, but we were determined to rise to the challenge. Cameron was walking up the court and won a quick reflex, I stole the ball for her and ran down for a layup. Now down by one, we had to stop Winter Haven on their next possession. Cameron, once again had the ball and I knew she was going to shoot it. She quickly drove to the left side of the basketball and pulled up. Clank! It fell off the rim and into Reina's arms. 

Seconds left on the clock, we had the ball. I dribbled at the top of the key, drawing the defenders toward me. I could see her assessing the situation, looking for the best option. I passed the ball to Reina, and she quickly faked a shot, sending the defender flying. Emma was open at the three-point line, her hands ready. Reina passed it to her, and she launched the shot. The ball sailed through the air, the entire gym holding its breath. It swished through the net, and we erupted in joy. We were up by two. 67-65 with ten seconds remaining.

Winter Haven had one last chance. They inbounded the ball to Cameron who raced down the court with determination etched on her face. Our defense closed in, forcing her to take a contested jumper at the buzzer. I watched as the shot floated in the air for eternity. They bounced on the rim twice. The ball ultimately fell off the rim and fell to the floor with the buzzer echoing through the arena. We won, 67-65. It was one of the closest games I've ever played.

I fell to the floor with exhaustion and full of happiness.The gym erupted in cheers as we celebrated, the victory hard-earned and sweet. Our team huddled together, arms around each other, basking in the glory of our hard-fought win. It was a game we would never forget, a testament to our resilience and teamwork but we had one more game to go.

I congratulated Cameron and her Winter Haven team and got myself a quick second with her.

"I can't convince you to come to Miami?" I asked

"You don't want to make a last minute redirection to UConn?" Cameron convincingly said.

"I'm not a cold weather girl. I prefer sunshine."

"Well...I wish you luck. I'll see you in a couple years."

"You got next year girly. You're a special player with special talent."

A sign of good sportsmanship and so words of advice, I gave Cameron a hug and then went our separate ways. I ran back to my team and we began to do a little bit of post game dancing and celebrating.

Coach Vodicka came over to us. "Hey girls, guess what? We get to play tomorrow!!"

Our screams and shouts echoed through the locker room.

"Now, get some rest. Go back to the hotel. Grab some food with your parents. Bedtime is still 11:00. No funny business. I'm going to stay here and scout our next opponent."

We chanted "Stingrays," the sound of our voices echoed throughout the gym, a triumphant chorus of victory. The exhilaration of our hard-fought win was palpable, each of us savoring the sweet taste of success. After a quick shower, we gathered our things, still buzzing with excitement. The conversation was filled with laughter and recounts of our favorite moments from the game. We headed back to the hotel, the glow of victory lingered. This game would be a cherished memory, a testament to our resilience and the bonds that held us together. But, we needed one more game. One more game for sweet victory.