Location: Lucas Gym
Time: 7:50 AM
Date: July 13, 2010 – Monday
The sun hadn't even climbed fully over the Virginia hills, but Lucas Gym was already buzzing with the rhythm of basketballs slamming against hardwood. The sound of sneakers squeaking, grunts of effort, and the whistle of drills echoed within the tall brick walls.
Ethan Albarado stood at the entrance, the gym lights casting long shadows behind him. His eyes scanned the court with quiet intensity.
It's been one week since Greg's tragic death.
One week since Ethan's late-night encounter with that masked figure on the monitor—the one who promised they'd "meet again… in the tournament."
But today wasn't about cryptic threats. Today was about the team.
The Vorpal Basket squad.
He watched them warm up from a distance, noting each movement, each improvement. He had poured everything into them this past week. Sweat. Hours. Harsh truths. And growth.
..
Evan Cooper — Point Guard
