Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Out in the crowd Kyle was watching the opening of the game as he and his mom sat next to Jason's parents and some other people from Riverside.

Tory and her father weren't there because she had another competition to attend. After they saw Jefferson lose the tip off all of them sighed in disappointment a little bit.

But after seeing Jason steal the ball and score the first basket of the game they were all cheering in excitement.

Kyle's mom nudged him at the side "That was some good defense wasn't it Kyle?" He shook his head with a smile "Nah mom. That was just normal for Jason. Wait until he really kicks it up a notch."

- - -

Before the game had began. On the side where the scorers table was there was one man who appeared to be in his early thirties sitting alongside two other men who were clearly a bit younger than him. They all had a mic in front of them.

The middle aged man straightened up his back as he smiled to his lone camera man "The first round of the state tournament for Californian middle school's is now about to begin.

I am Tony Johnson and with me today are two of UCLA's young stars Cameron Baker and Randel Thompson.

For today's first game we have Jefferson Middle School representing Riverside county vs Hill Crest Middle School who is representing Tulare county.

What do you guys think? Who do you have coming out of today's game?" Tony then looked at the two young men who were sitting beside him.

Cameron Baker seemed to be about 6'6 (1.98m). He had dark brown skin and his medium length black dreads were tied into a ponytail.

He was dressed in a nice blue button up shirt with a small silver necklace hanging in front of his chest.

Cameron smiled as the camera turned toward him "I honestly don't know much about both of these teams.

I don't pay attention to the middle school basketball scene as much lately just because of how busy things have been for me.

But after I found out that I would be commentating on this game with you and Randel I did a little bit of research.

I watched some film on both teams and I think I have to give this one to Jefferson. Not only do they have the best player on the court with Jason.

Their second best player ,which I think is Udonis, is the third best player on the floor. So Jefferson has 2 of the 3 best players in today's game. I just don't see them losing today."

Tony nodded his head before turning to Randel "And how about you Randel? Who do you have winning today's game?"

Compared to Cameron who was sitting up right Randel was leaning back in his chair with his arm over the back of the chair.

Randel was of a slightly lighter complexion than Cameron and a bit shorter at 6'3 (1.9m). He was dressed in a blue button up shirt just like Cameron but he left the top two buttons undone.

He had his hair done in a temple fade with sponge twists that were bleached blonde at the tips.

He looked at Tony before looking at the camera with a bored expression on his face "I mean I don't really follow middle school ball like that same as Cam.

But if I had to put mah own two cents in I guess I'm goin with them little dudes from Riverside. If Cam said they got two of the three best hoopers out there then that's a wrap."

Cameron frowned momentarily before leaning toward Randel and whispering while blocking the mic with his hand "This game is being streamed live over the internet Randel.

Is it too much to ask for you to present yourself properly?" Randel chuckled before doing the same and whispering back.

"Bruh, you really want to do this right now? You gettin yo panties all in a bunch just cause I don't want to talk all white and shit?"

Cameron could feel his blood pressure rising as he whispered back "First of all there is no such thing as talking white or black.

You can speak and act proper or you can speak and act ghetto. There is no one race that has a sole claim to acting and speaking a certain way.

You saying shit like 'I don't want to act white' makes it sound like only white people can act and speak in a proper manner and that black people all have to be as ignorant as you.

Second of all I want you to sit up properly and pay attention to the game. We are here to provide commentary. Not just sit on our asses."

Randel put his hand up "Damn bro you need to chill. I was just messin with you. It ain't that deep. You ain't gotta be so pressed about it.

Sheesh, I thought we came here to watch some ball not listen to you give a whole lecture on race and sociology and shit."

Randel sat up in his chair before looking over to Cameron "Cool?" Cameron gave a slight nod.

Although Tony didn't overhear anything he could feel that things had become a bit weird. Thankfully the awkward tension didn't last long as the game began.

Tony began commentating "Unfortunately Jefferson middle school has lost the tip off. This marks the end of an incredible stretch of games in which Jefferson had won the first possession.

But what's this?! Jason has just stolen the ball from the opposing team's Point Guard! He's making his way to the basket.

There are two defenders on him as he makes his way toward the paint. And he manages to split the defenders with the spin move and finish with an off balance scoop shot with his right hand! What a fantastic sequence of basketball."

Cameron nodded his head "That defense was something else. They way he anticipated the pass and jumped into the lane really shows his iq for the game."

Randel was silent as he nodded his head in agreement.

The game proceeded at a regular pace. Jefferson had a clear advantage on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

On offense Jason was the primary ball handler and after a few possessions in which he scored off of isolation plays it forced Hill Crest to dedicate more of their defense to him.

While all of the defensive attention he was getting made it harder for him to score Jason was able to find the open man and make the pass.

Hill Crest then switched to having one primary defender on Jason while having the rest of their players cover zones.

This worked for a few possessions but after Jefferson got used to it they were able to swing the ball around the court until they found a good shot.

On defense Jason was able to direct his teammates as they slowed down Hill Crest's offense. As the quarter came to an end Jefferson was in the lead with a score of 24-12.

Tony looked over at Cameron "What an exciting quarter don't you guys agree? Jason's court vision was on full display as he dished out 5 assists."

Cameron replied "That was some great passing not just form Jason but from the whole team.

After Hill Crest made a change to their defense Jefferson didn't miss a beat as they quickly adapted. What do you think Randel?"

After seeing the look that Cameron was giving him Randel sighed in his mind 'Damn, I get it. Ima behave myself.'

Randel sat up before he added "That was some nice ball movement from Jefferson. But the thang that stuck out the most to me was their defense.

Jason had his whole team movin on beat like a orchestra. Every single backdoor cut and screen was getting called out by him."

Tony smiled "It must be a blessing to have a player like Jason on the floor. It's practically like having a coach standing next to your other players. But I was surprised that they kept him in for the entire quarter."

Cameron added "That surprised me too. I thought that they would sit him down at one point but I guess they had to keep him in because of their short roster."

Randel laughed "How are you supposed to get any rest when you only got 7 players on your team?

The way I see it they gon need this kid to play the whole game if they want to win. It looked like Jefferson ahead by a lot.

But that's only cause Jason played the entire quarter. Cam was right that Jefferson got 2 of the 3 best players but on average I would say that Hill Crest has the better team."

The clock soon buzzed indicating that it was time for the game to resume. Both teams came back out on the court.

Randel smiled "See? What'd I tell you?" Nick and Matt had gotten subbed out of the game for DJ and Vince but Jason was still in the lineup.