4:30 PM
Graves Family Gymnasium
The golden afternoon sun filtered through the high windows of the Graves gym. Dust particles danced in the light, a quiet contrast to the fire building inside the room.
I stood at the front, arms crossed, eyes locked onto the players sitting and standing around me.
My team.
Some still catching their breath after the drills. Others drinking from water bottles, beads of sweat trailing down their foreheads.
This was us.
Vorpal Basket.
Once mocked, now moving.
"Now that we passed the qualifier phase," I began, my voice calm but sharp, "let's move on to Step 2: The Division Cup."
Their eyes locked on mine tension, excitement, and uncertainty all brewing.
I stepped closer, holding up four fingers.
"There will be four regions."
North – 16 teams
South – 16 teams
East – 16 teams
West – 16 teams
"Only one team from each region will advance to the National Finals."
