Episode 4 – The Quarterfinals

Episode 4 – The Quarterfinals

After two hard-fought wins, the Westside Warriors have made it to the Quarterfinals of the Windy City Basketball Cup. The competition is getting tougher, and every mistake counts. Jaden is starting to build confidence, but can he handle the pressure of an even bigger game?

Pregame – The Talk with Marcus

The night before the game, Jaden is outside shooting on his backyard court. His dad, Marcus Carter, watches from the porch before walking over.

Marcus: “Quarterfinals, huh?”

Jaden: “Yeah.”

Marcus: “You nervous?”

Jaden: "A little."

Marcus picks up a ball and shoots a perfect jumper.

Marcus: “Pressure’s just part of the game, son. The greats don’t run from it—they own it.”

Jaden listens, but doubt still lingers in his mind.

Windy City Basketball Cup – Quarterfinals

🏀 Westside Warriors vs. Northside Titans 🏀

The Northside Titans are a powerhouse team, undefeated in the season. Their star player, Terrence “T-Rex” Johnson, is a 6’6” athletic freak who dominates both offense and defense.

Jaden and the Warriors know this is their toughest test yet.

First Quarter – A Rough Start

The Titans come out aggressive, pressing full-court from the tip-off.

Jaden gets trapped and turns the ball over.

T-Rex dunks over Cameron Lee, igniting the crowd.

The Warriors struggle to get open shots.

By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors are down 20-8.

Second Quarter – Fighting Back

Coach Wright calls a timeout.

Coach Wright: "We knew this was coming. Now, how do you respond?"

Jaden takes a deep breath. He starts playing smarter, not harder.

He hits a floater over T-Rex.

Eric Vasquez knocks down two threes.

Cameron Lee gets a huge block on defense.

By halftime, the Warriors close the gap:

Titans 35 – Warriors 29.

Third Quarter – The Duel Begins

Jaden knows he has to step up.

Jaden scores on back-to-back possessions.

T-Rex responds with a powerful dunk.

Eric Vasquez lobs a pass to Darnell Brooks for an alley-oop.

With 2 minutes left in the third, the game is tied 48-48.

But then—disaster strikes.

Jaden drives to the basket and lands awkwardly, rolling his ankle.

Coach Wright: “Jaden, can you go?”

Jaden clenches his jaw. He’s not sitting this one out.

Fourth Quarter – Playing Through the Pain

Jaden limps back onto the court.

T-Rex attacks him immediately, scoring twice.

Jaden fights back, hitting a mid-range jumper.

Eric Vasquez takes over, scoring a huge three-pointer.

With 30 seconds left, the game is tied 66-66.

The Titans have the ball.

T-Rex drives inside, but Cameron Lee blocks his shot! The ball bounces to Jaden. He sprints down the court despite his injury.

With 5 seconds left, Jaden pulls up from three…

Swish!

Warriors 69 – Titans 66.

The Titans attempt a desperation shot, but it misses.

Final Score:

🏀 Westside Warriors 69 – 66 Northside Titans 🏀

Jaden drops 22 points despite his injury, proving he can step up when it matters most.

As the team celebrates, Jaden’s ankle throbs in pain.

Coach Wright: “Get that checked out, Carter. We’re not done yet.”

Jaden nods. He knows the Semifinals are next. The question is—will he be healthy enough to play?

To be continued…

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