The arena was still buzzing with energy even after Bayview's win. Players were filing out of locker rooms, families were gathering near the exits, and the maintenance crew was already starting to sweep the court. But Jace Carter wasn't leaving yet.
He stood in the upper section of the stands with his teammate, Terrell Hayes, watching the last few Bayview players trickle out of their locker room. Jace leaned against the railing, arms crossed, his face thoughtful as he replayed what he'd just witnessed.
"They're better than I thought," Jace said, his voice carrying that casual confidence that made everything sound like an observation rather than a compliment. "Bayview's got some pieces."
Terrell nodded, his eyes tracking the scoreboard that still displayed the final score. "Yeah, they played solid. That big man, number four? He was eating in the paint all game."
"Eli," Jace said. "And their captain, number twelve. Daren. He can shoot from anywhere. Caught fire in that second half."
Terrell glanced at Jace with a slight smirk. "You sound impressed."
"I'm observant," Jace corrected. "There's a difference."
"Uh-huh." Terrell leaned back against the seat behind him. "You know we're probably playing them next if we win our game, right?"
"I know." Jace's expression shifted slightly, something between anticipation and mild disappointment. "Honestly, I would've preferred playing the Striders."
Terrell raised his eyebrows. "The team that just lost? Why?"
"Because they would've been a stronger challenge," Jace explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Striders play that European system style. Everyone moves as one, perfect execution, no weak links. That's the kind of opponent that makes you better. Forces you to elevate."
"And Bayview doesn't?"
"They're good," Jace said carefully. "But they're beatable. They rely too much on their stars. Take away Daren and Eli, and what do they have?"
Terrell pushed off the seat and stood up straight, his face showing something between amusement and concern. "Bro, you better not take them for granted. That's how teams lose when they're supposed to win."
Jace looked at him, his expression calm. "I'm not taking them for granted. I'm being realistic. There's a difference between confidence and arrogance."
"Is there though?" Terrell asked with a slight grin. "Because from where I'm standing, you sound pretty comfortable assuming we're gonna win our game and then beat Bayview."
"We are going to win our game," Jace said simply. "And when we play Bayview, we'll beat them too. Not because I'm arrogant. Because I know what I'm capable of. What we're capable of."
Terrell shook his head, still smiling. "Man, you're something else."
"I'm just honest," Jace replied. "But I'll watch them. I'll study them. I'm not stupid enough to walk into a game blind."
Before Terrell could respond, one of their teammates appeared at the top of the stairs, breathing slightly heavy from the climb. "Yo, Coach wants us in the locker room. Game's starting in thirty minutes."
Jace nodded and pushed off the railing. "Let's go then."
The three of them made their way down the stairs and through the concourse. The arena was starting to shift now, a new wave of people filtering in through the entrances. Parents with younger kids. Teenagers in groups. Adults holding programs. The energy was different from the earlier crowd. More anticipation. More excitement.
As they turned the corner toward the locker room hallway, they came face to face with a group of Bayview players heading the opposite direction.
Daren was in front, gym bag slung over his shoulder, still in his uniform. Eli was next to him, towering over everyone. Behind them were Marcus, Malik, and Darius, all talking quietly among themselves.
The two groups slowed as they approached each other in the narrow hallway.
Daren caught Jace's eye first. For a moment, neither said anything. Just that silent acknowledgment that happens between competitors who know they'll probably meet again soon.
Jace gave a small nod. Daren returned it.
Then Daren leaned slightly toward Darius, his voice low but still audible in the quiet hallway. "That's Jace Carter. Most likely our next opponent if we make it to the semis."
Darius looked at Jace as they passed each other. He'd seen him earlier during warmups, but up close it was different. Jace moved with this presence that wasn't loud or aggressive. It was just... there. Like gravity. You didn't see it, but you felt it.
Their shoulders almost brushed as they passed. Darius could feel the tension radiating off Jace, not hostile, just concentrated. Like a storm that knew exactly where it was going.
The groups continued past each other without incident. No words. No confrontation. Just two teams on different paths that would probably intersect soon.
Once they were outside the arena, Malik immediately started walking toward the bus stop. "Man, I'm tired. Let's just go home."
"Yo, you wanna stay and watch Jace's game?" Darius asked, slowing his pace.
Malik turned around, his face showing his exhaustion clearly. "Watch what? Another basketball game after we just played one? Nah, I'm good."
"Come on, it'll be quick. Just wanna see what he's about."
"Then you stay and watch," Malik said, already starting to walk again. "I'm going home. My legs hurt, my back hurts, and I need food that's not from a vending machine."
"For real?"
"For real, bro. You wanna stay, stay. But I'm out." Malik waved without turning around. "Text me when you're leaving so I know you're alive."
Darius watched him go, then turned back toward the arena entrance. People were still streaming in, more than before. He'd never seen this many people show up for a junior league game. Even in his past life as Che, college games rarely drew this kind of early crowd.
He bought a ticket and made his way back inside. The stands were filling up fast now, families claiming seats, friend groups gathering in sections, everyone buzzing with anticipation.
Darius found a seat in the middle section with a clear view of the court. As he settled in, the Hustle System activated without prompting, text appearing in his vision.
OBSERVATION MODE AVAILABLE
Target: Jace Carter, #23
Would you like to activate Scouting Analysis?
Features include:
Real-time statistical tracking Play pattern recognition Weakness identification Offensive tendency mapping Defensive habit analysis
Darius thought about it for half a second, then mentally confirmed. Yeah, activate it.
SCOUTING MODE: ACTIVE
All relevant data will be recorded and analyzed. Report will be available post-game.
The teams were coming out for warmups now. Jace's team, the Riverside Kings, filed out first. They were wearing deep purple jerseys with gold trim. Jace was easy to spot, not just because of his number, but because of the way people in the stands reacted when they saw him.
Phones came out immediately. People started recording. A few kids near the front row called out his name. Jace didn't acknowledge any of it. He just went straight to the baseline and started his shooting routine.
Their opponents, the Metro Hawks, came out next in white and red. They looked solid, well-coached, organized. But the crowd barely noticed them. All eyes were on Jace.
Darius watched as Jace went through his warmup. Every movement was smooth, efficient. No wasted motion. His shot release was quick but controlled. His dribbling was tight, barely rising above his waist even when he was moving fast. Even in warmups, there was this intensity to him that was hard to ignore.
The Hustle System was already working, text appearing in the corner of Darius's vision.
Initial Observations:
Release time: 0.42 seconds (above average) Dribble control: Elite level Warmup intensity: High focus, minimal social interaction Body language: Confident, task-oriented
The stands were almost completely full now. Darius looked around and realized this wasn't just a good crowd for a junior league game. This was a packed house. People were standing in the aisles. The upper sections were filled. The energy in the building had reached a level he'd never experienced at this level of basketball.
Even during Che's college career, most regular season games didn't draw like this. Maybe rivalry games. Maybe tournament games. But not a middle-round junior league matchup.
This was something different.
This wasn't just about basketball. This was about a phenomenon.
The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's quarterfinal matchup! Please rise for the national anthem!"
The crowd stood. The anthem played. And when it finished, the noise that erupted was deafening.
Darius leaned forward in his seat, his eyes locked on the court.
The starting lineups were announced. When Jace's name was called, the arena exploded. It sounded like an NBA playoff game. Cameras flashed. People screamed. Jace jogged to center court with the same calm expression he'd had all night.
The referee called both teams to the center circle for the opening tip.
The Hustle System chimed one more time in Darius's vision.
SCOUTING MODE: FULLY ENGAGED
Game analysis beginning now.
The ball was tossed into the air.
And Jace Carter's show began.