Ch. 9

"Bro, you gotta watch out for that jab step. Don't bite. And pay attention when he hesitates, that's when he delivers a killer crossover," I told Dennis.

Dennis and I have been watching film on Jason Grace for the past two days nonstop. Brandon has also come into our film sessions a couple of times. We have been watching in class, lunch, practice, and bed. We also got yelled at during history class for not paying attention. Ms. Morrison does not entirely appreciate being ignored. But I mean if someone were to ask me what is more important this week, another quiz or battling Jason, I would definitely pick quiz. Cuz another quiz is so much more important even though I could make it up by acing another quiz. Obviously.

Dennis replied, "Dude, what if I just forced him left? He is constantly dribbling with his right."

I shook my head and answered, "No, no, no. He wants you to do that. He makes you think that by dribbling right. But as soon as you cover his right, he crosses to his left and explodes at the rim. Once he is in the air, it is game over."

Dennis gave me a perplexed look and countered, "Bro, there is no way this fool can out jump. This dude looks like he can barely get the ball over the rim."

I took the iPad away from him and went looking for a play Jason's previous games. I was scrolling and scrolling until I found what I was looking for. It was a play when Jason joined an AAU team late in the summer and went against the second-best center in the junior class. It was at some tournament in Texas where one of the players bricked a three. The center jumped to get the rebound and start the fast break. The only problem was that Jason snatched it out of dude's hands and dunked it over him. Jason was like Blake Griffin posterizing Pau Gasol, the only problem is that Jason is 6'2, not 6'9.

I showed Dennis the putback dunk and his eyes went wide. He watched it five more times.

He looked at me and said, "Bro, why didn't you lead with this? That play was insane. How did he get so much air? That white boy has hops."

I replied, "That's what I've been trying to tell you. He can get up. His dunk package is just as good as Zion Williamson, except without the power."

He whistled at that and asked, "You have seen it in person?"

I answered, "Ya, I have never seen anything like it. There is no one I know that can outjump him, let alone anyone on our team."

"So, don't let him get a fast break or an open lane. He makes a dunk like that in a game, it can give his team all the momentum," Dennis commented.

I added, "Ya, we cannot let him get into the paint, otherwise he will posterize our big men. He also has a smooth three-point shot. But his mid-range jumper is a bit shaky. So, if we can get him to pick up his dribble within the arc, but outside the paint, we have a shot of containing him."

Dennis looked at me and asked, "You gonna pick him up the whole game?"

I sighed and thought about it. I am the best defender, but if my whole energy is spent defending him, I will not be able to contribute on offense.

I answered, "For most of the game. I'm gonna need you to take a couple of possessions, so I can take a break. You got the body to challenge him and the speed to stay with him. Brandon should be able to take a couple of possessions. He can stay in front of Jason, but he cannot get posted up. Otherwise, it will be an easy 2."

Dennis nodded and understood the situation. He answered, "I may have to go for forty tomorrow night."

I nodded and stated, "Yeah, but I should be able to chime in a few points. And their point guard isn't great moving his feet. So, Brandon should be able to chip in like ten or so points. Jalen could possibly get a few threes if everyone is focused on you."

He looked at me like I was crazy. He said, "The freshman? Please tell me you are talking about a different Jalen."

I laughed and replied, "Bro, you saw him shoot. He can shoot the daylights out of anybody. He can come off a screen and let it fly. Trust me, he can be helpful."

He shook his head and said, "Whatever man. That's on you. Just get him and Brandon prepped. I don't need Brandon to choke in another game. I got to get to class."

I answered, "Woah. The great Dennis Johnson is going to class. Am I in the right place?"

He replied, "Man, shut up. I go to class once in a while. Besides, it's Biology, it ain't that bad."

After Dennis left, I started packing up my stuff when I heard the door open again.

I started off, "Dennis, what did you forget this time? Was it your ph-"

Then I was interrupted by getting my mouth covered by someone's hand.

I turned around and there was my best friend.

Grover whispered, "I'm excited to see you too, Perce. But I'm here to help a fellow satyr. I was told that there are a couple of monsters here and he is having trouble connecting with one of the demigods. I'm gonna remove my hand now, but don't freak."

He slowly removed his hand. I then tackled him to the ground and pinned him. I never promised to not freak out.

I whispered, "That's what you get for not telling me you were coming."

I let him up and asked, "So, who is the demigod?"

He answered, "Well, first off, ow. That hurt, Perce. Second, the demigod? I don't really know. I couldn't get much from his Iris message, but I was told that the kid plays basketball."

I gave him a look and asked, "Did this satyr mistake me as another demigod?"

He laughed and answered, "No, no, no. It's not you. Um, I don't think it is. Oh, god, if he mistakes you as the other demigod, this would be a disaster. I left my responsibilities in California to help out Stephen."

I commented, "Oh, so that's where you have been all this time. But why are you here? What makes this satyr so special?"

He answered, "He's my younger cousin."

I thought about it and asked, "Wait, do you mean your Uncle Ferdinand's kid?"

He nodded and answered, "Ya, that's the one. I've been trying to look out for him after my uncle died. He's family, so if he needs help, I'll come."

"I respect that. But how are you on campus, only students are allowed. The school is super strict, they don't even allow visitors sometimes," I stated.

Grover added, "Oh, ya. I'm a student now. Except as a senior. I don't think I could pass as a freshman."

I looked him over and laughed. He has really grown and become an adult. The responsibilities of Pan have really matured him. He is no longer that nervous, bubbly satyr I knew at twelve. Grover carries himself as a man, no one would mistake him as a teenager. Even being a senior is pushing it.

I commented, "Bro, you should have come as a substitute teacher. That beard throws everything off."

He laughed and replied, "Ya, I should shave it. But it's who I am."

I shrugged, "You do you, man. I have to get to class. What do you have?"

He replied, "I have American Government."

I said, "I have math, I'll see you at lunch?"

"Ya, see you then," answered Grover.

Once I got out of class, I walked over to the cafeteria and there was a long line. It has to be Pizza Day, that can be the only reason the line is so long. The school lunches are okay, but they get the pizza from a restaurant that is a couple of blocks away. That place is known to be local high school hang out after school or post-football and basketball games. I scanned the line and saw Brandon towards the front. As I started walking towards him, Grover came walking towards me.

Grover shouted, "Hey, Perce! Wait up."

I waited and told him, "Aye, I see a friend of mine towards the front. We are going to cut the line and stand with him."

Grover hesitated and said, "I don't know man, that's kind of rude. I don't want to piss anyone off on my first day here."

I told him, "Bro, it will be fine. Brandon is cool. Anyways, he is in front of a bunch of freshmen. If they give us any trouble about it, just intimidate them with your beard and they will get scared easily."

As we got closer to the front, Brandon waved us over to greet him.

I introduced the two, "Brandon, this is my best friend Grover. Grover, this is my teammate Brandon."

Brandon nodded his head, "Sup bro. Where you from?"

Grover answered, "I'm originally from the Bronx, but I recently moved to California. But I just transferred here for family stuff."

He nodded and replied, "Cool story, bro. I like your goatee. I wish I could grow facial hair."

He smiled and countered, "Thanks, but it's a hassle to maintain. Sometimes I just wish I had a clean face."

I called Grover out, "Quit lying. Earlier today you just said you would never shave it off."

Grover guiltily turned red and replied, "Pfft, I never said that."

I shook my head and responded, "Sure, bro. If that's your story. Anyways, Brandon you want to bring our lunch to the gym. I want to get a couple of shots off."

"Ya for sure," Brandon answered, "You wanna come join Grover? You can feed me and Percy the ball."

Grover stammered, "Uhhhh, me and basketball do not get along."

I smiled and recalled, "Oh yeah, remember that time when you went to get the rebound and the ball bounced on your head, causing it to pop."

Grover turned really red and whispered, "Noooo."

Brandon chimed in, "Wait, how does a ball pop from bouncing on your head?"

Grover and I looked at each other and that's when I turned red. Me and my big mouth. I forgot that Brandon isn't part of that camp life and doesn't know Grover is a satyr. His horns popped the ball which makes a funny story. Only problem is that we can't tell Brandon.

Grover quickly recovered my mistake and answered, "Oh, he didn't mean literally. My head caused the ball to bounce towards the rose bushes. That caused the ball to pop."

Brandon said, "Ohhhh, that would do it for sure."

I mouthed thanks to Grover and he nodded to reassure me it was fine.

We got our food and ate the pizza as we walked towards the gym. As we got closer to the gym, we could hear a ball bouncing. When we looked to see who was practicing, we saw Jalen hoisting up shots from a couple feet in front of the half-court circle.

Swish

Swish

Swish

Grover whistled and said, "I may not know much about basketball, but that boy can shoot."

I walked over to Jalen and got the rebound. I passed him the ball and asked, "Do you ever miss?"

He smirked and responded, "When I'm open? Never."

I tilted my head and asked, "How are you such a good shooter? Like, have you just been practicing since the minute you were born?"

He shrugged and shot another three-pointer. "I don't know man. I just shoot the ball and it goes in," Jalen answered.

Someone else was walking in bouncing a ball and both me and Jalen turned to see who it was.

It was Jazmine Rivers. She is the team captain for the girl's basketball team and is not only the best girl's basketball player in New York, but is one of the best players in the state. She is 5'10 and has a smooth jumper.

She noticed me and said, "Wassup, Percy. Getting some shots off?"

I nodded and answered, "Ya, I always try to get loose at lunch. It helps me focus before a big game. How about you?"

She replied, "Ya, facing off a California school Archbishop Mitty tomorrow. They got one of the best players in the nation named Haley Jones. She showed me up at the USA Basketball camp. I ain't gonna let that happen again, especially on my court."

Apparently, Jazmine got her ankles broken at the camp over the summer and it went viral. Afterward, I heard she begged her coach to schedule a game against Haley's high school team to exact revenge. I saw a couple of mixtapes of Haley Jones and she can seriously ball.

"Alright, good luck to you. I'll come watch for a bit before my game. Sounds like it will be a fun game," I responded.

She shook her head and responded, "Nah, it ain't gonna be fun. I got some business to settle."

That's when Jalen came into the conversation and interjected, "Girl, lighten up. It's just a game. You shouldn't take it so seriously. Besides, it's just girl's basketball."

Oof I thought. He should not have said that. I looked at Jazmine's reaction and it went from chilling to super serious within seconds. I stepped in between and stated, "Hey, Jaz, the kid is just a frosh. He doesn't know what he is talking about. He was joking."

She looked around me and stared right at Jalen. She commented, "Nah, Perce, let him speak. He's in high school. He can speak for himself."

Jalen continued, "I'm just saying, it's nothing compared to when we play. We are actually balling out, you guys are just doing layups."

She smirked and said, "Well, that's big talk from a freshman. Let's play and find out how much you can ball."

My eyes got big. Jalen can shoot, but I don't need his confidence to crumble because he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

I was about to call it off until Jalen stated, "Your on, let's go."

Jazmine turned towards me and said, "Let's see what this frosh is made of. I want to see if he is varsity material, let alone starting. You ref Perce. First one to seven."

I looked over at Jalen and he nonchalantly said, "Let's play. I'll shoot for ball."

As soon as he squared up, he said, "How about we put a little wager on it. I win, I get to take you out on a date."

Jazmine raised her eyebrows and scoffed. She asked, "And if you lose?"

He shot the ball.

Swish

"I won't," Jalen answered.

That answer seemed to piss her off. She said, "WHEN you lose, you will be ball boy for the girls team and stat recorder. Check up."

Jalen caught the at the top of the arc and automatically shot the ball.

Swish. 2-0 Jalen

Jalen said, "Oh, this is gonna be the easiest date I have ever got."

Jazmine countered, "Is that cuz it will be only time someone actually considered going out with you?"

That made Jalen's face turn red while Grover, Brandon and I started cracking up.

Jalen got the ball at the top again and let it fly as Jazmine challenged his shot. It didn't matter.

Swish 4-0 Jalen.

She handed the ball to Jalen and put more pressure on him.

She asked, "Have you ever had your first kiss yet? Or would I have to train you? Or worse, you cannot actually kiss. That would just be straight-up embarrassing."

Jalen had no response to that and tried to dribble around her. His lack of handles allowed her to pick his pocket. She got the ball and dribbled to the right-wing. She went outside the arc and shot it.

Banked it in 4-2 Jalen.

She shook her head and said, "It's over now boy, you should have never let me get the ball."

She was at the top of the three-point line. She jabbed a couple of times to the right and then rose up. Jalen saw it too late and tried to challenge it.

Swish 4 all.

Some more basketball players came piling in for shootaround. They saw Jalen and Jazmine playing and came over. Connor asked, "Yo, what's happening here."

Brandon answered, "Jalen has a smart mouth. He insulted Jaz on girl's basketball and challenged her one on one for a date."

Connor shook his head and said, "Insulted and challenged Jaz for a date? Is that boy crazy? He has a death wish. Does Dennis know?"

I smiled and answered, "Not yet."

Kyle smirked and took his phone out. He stated, "I need to get this on tape. Maybe Ballislife will put this on their channel and Jalen can go viral."

Some of the boys basketball team were cheering for Jalen and the girls team were cheering on for Jazmine, but everyone knew it wasn't gonna make a difference.

Jazmine saw the crowd and said, "I see you got your boys out to cheer you on. I got mine too. You know what will happen after this play, tho?"

He asked, "What?"

She smiled and answered, "I'm gonna have both teams cheering me on."

With that statement, she drove into the right side to lay it in. Jalen tried to recover and jumped up to block it off the glass. Except Jazmine has superior basketball knowledge and sensed Jalen coming from behind. So, she extended her reach a bit longer and reversed it on the left side.

Buckets 5-4 Jazmine.

She said, "Looks like you are on the wrong side of the score."

Jalen got pissed at that and said, "Forget that. No more easy buckets."

She feigned innocence and stated, "Oh, you were going easy on me. Ok, let's turn it up."

She drove to the left side of the basket and Jalen cut her off. Jazmine then started to post him up and was backing him in.

She commented, "You know what else I find funny. Is that you think you can take me out. That's funny, except your skinny butt could not handle any of this. I can already tell you are getting excited."

That's when everyone lost it with the guys falling down in laughter and the girl's basketball team saying, "OHHHHHHHH!"

Jalen turned really red and tried to reach for the ball. Jazmine pumped fake and Jalen bit it. She then went under him and laid it in.

6-4 Jazmine.

That's when Dennis came walking in and asked, "Hey, what's all the commotion? What happened?"

We all pointed at the court and he seemed to understand what was happening. He crossed his arms and shook his head.

Jazmine got the ball at the top and said, "You need to respect women's basketball. Next time you talk smack, I'm gonna bust your head wide open."

Jazmine took a couple of dribbles to the right and drove towards the basket. Jalen tried to stay with her and got his feet in front of her. She then crosses it between her legs to go in the other direction. This caused Jalen to get his feet tangled up and almost fell down. She then picked up her dribble and stepped back to create space to pull up a deep two. Jalen jumped to challenge her, but ended up falling down. She shot a fadeaway.

Swish 7-4 Jazmine. Game.

She stared down at him and asked, "What were you saying about girls basketball?"

Both teams started going crazy and everyone rushed the court towards Jazmine. They all cheered her on and were pounding her back. Jalen sulkily got up and walked towards the bench.

Dennis walked towards Jazmine through the crowd and everyone made a hole for him to get through.

Jazmine waited for Dennis to come to her and they kissed. Dennis stated, "I saw that you kicked our freshman's butt."

She shrugged and replied, "He needed to know his place. His head is too big. Reminds me of someone I know."

Dennis responded, "Oh, you mean, Percy. Shoot, I know. I have to keep reminding him to tone down his ego."

She slapped him playfully and he smiled at that. I walked over to join Jalen on the bench.

I asked, "So, you lost."

He replied, "To a girl. I lost to a girl."

I reminded him, "You lost to the best girl basketball player in New York. You are just a freshman. You should be proud to even get a couple of shots off, even if she was going easy on you."

He shouted, "What?! She was not going easy on me."

Dennis overheard and shouted, "Yeah she was."

Which caused Jazmine to laugh as they walked towards us. Dennis threateningly added, "Next time you ask out my girl, I'll make sure you never leave the bench. Permanently."

To add emphasis to his threat, he pointedly looked at Jalen's knee, as if to signal he would break it.

Jalen gulped and replied, "Got it, won't happen again."

As Dennis and Jazmine walked away holding hands, I elbowed Jalen and commented, "Don't let that get to you. We all know Jazmine would kick your butt. Dennis is just all talk."

Jalen shook his head in disgust and stated, "Whatever man, I don't believe you. I still can't believe I lost to a girl."

"Oh my god, would you shut up about her being a girl," I responded, "So, what kicked your butt? Get over it and admit she is good."

He yelled, "They have me getting crossed up on tape! They are gonna put it on WorldStar!"

I smacked his head and said, "Then next time, don't challenge her. Get your head right, I need you for the next game. We need your shooting."

He groaned and was about whine when I interrupted, "If you start whining about losing to a girl, I'm gonna smack you so hard that coach won't let you play. Let it go."