Saturday's morning sun shone through the windows of the school gymnasium, casting warm glow on the polished wooden floor. The Queens, reunited and determined, filled into the gym, each girl carrying a sense of anticipation for their first practice back together. As they took their seats on the bleachers, they exchanged excited whispers and nervous laughter. Their love for the game and one another palpable in the air
Their coach, Mrs. Lawal, standing tall and resolute at the front of the gym, smiled as she looked out at the team as they prepare for the training session. "Welcome back, girls," she greeted them. "I know it's been a while since our last game, we haven't practiced for 3 years now, but I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together in the upcoming Christmas Champions Cup."
Tosin, Oluchi, Shalom and the rest of the Queens nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting the shared determination and camaraderie that took them through the tough times
"Now," Mrs. Lawal continued, her voice firm yet encouraging, "we've got our work cut out for us. We need to focus on rebuilding our defensive strategies and honing our skills. Today, we'll start with defensive drills in teams of three. If your team loses a match, you guys will do diving drills, and the team that concedes the most points by the end of the practice, will tidy up the gym before leaving"
The girls sprang into action as they exchanged knowing glances; their competitive spirits ignited by the prospect of a challenge. They quickly divided into teams, each player ready to give their all to secure victory for their team. The coach's words had lit a fire within them, and they were eager to prove themselves on the court
"Now, for the first game, Team One, you'll be up against Team Three. Let the teams take their position on the court" she said
Both teams took their positions on the court. For Team One, Tosin teamed up with Tolu and Mayowa while Team Three is made up of, Oluchi, Eno and Shalom
"Remember," Mrs. Lawal called out as the first match began, "communication and trust are key. Work together, support one another, and show the court what it means to be a Queen. As the game is underway, let Teams Two and Four get ready. Each game will last for 3 minutes"
The gymnasium filled with the sound of the basketballs dribbling and sneakers squeaking as the first match began
As the players moved with precision and determination, the coach observed that every move, taking note of their strengths and weaknesses and offering words of encouragement and constructive feedback. The air was thick with focus and intensity, each girl knowing that the stakes are high
The matches continued throughout the practice, the players pushing themselves to their limit as they fought to secure victory for their teams. The competition was fierce but it was clear that the bond between the teammates had not diminished during their time off the court
At the end of the practice, the girls gathered around the coach, their faces flushed with exertion and pride. She announced the winning team and congratulated everyone on their efforts but reminded them that there was still more work to be done
"You've shown great potentials," she commenced, "but we need to keep pushing ourselves if we're going to make it to the Christmas Champions Cup. Remember, success is not just about winning, but about growth and improvement"
The team nodded in agreement; their resolve only strengthened by their first practice together
"One last thing before we go. The playoffs will start next month and the fixtures should be out soon. Until then, we are going to train everyday in preparation for it. We fell one W short 3 years ago; this time, we will qualify for the Christmas Champions Cup and participate in this year's tournament. We would even win it" said Mrs. Lawal
"YES MA!" The Queens chorused
"Don't forget to stretch before leaving" Mrs. Lawal said
"YES MA!" The Queens chorused
"Team three, make sure you tidy up the gym before leaving" Mrs. Lawal ordered
"YES MA!" Team three chorused
The players filed out one by one, leaving team three behind to carry out their penalties for conceding the most points. As they tidied the quiet gymnasium, they the sound of someone's footsteps coming towards the gym
"Hi girls, how about we played a 2 vs 2 mini game before we leave?" Tosin asked, smiling as she walked up to the girls
"What are you doing here Tosin?" asked Shalom
"Just checking on you guys," Tosin replied, a hint of laughter in her voice
"That's a lie. You just want to play basketball, you basketball-headed freak," Oluchi said
"Well, something like that," Tosin said, a hint of laughter in her voice
"Go home!" Ordered Mrs. Lawal. She had returned to check on the 3 girls who were tidying up the gym
"YES MA!" The girls chorused
After tidying the gym, the 4 girls gathered their belongings, their muscles sore. They exchanged high-fives and words of encouragement as they filed out of the gymnasium
The following week, anticipation hung heavy in the air as the Queens gathered in the gymnasium for their daily practice. Their coach, standing at the front of the room with a clipboard in her hand, waited for the team to settle before making her announcement
"Girls," she began, her voice echoing through the cavernous space, "the playoffs brackets are out, and we have our first opponents. We'll be facing off against Queens college in our opening match"
A collective murmur rippled through the team as the girls exchanged glances, their excitement and nerves palpable. Tosin, her brows furrowed in concentration, spoke up
"Queens college are strong, coach. We'll need to step up our game if we hope to defeat them and advance." she said
The coach nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouths. "You are absolutely right, Tosin. But we've got a month to prepare. While we train, we will study their play style"
The girls nodded in agreement; their resolve strengthened by the knowledge that they would be facing a strong team. As the practice began, the Queens threw themselves into their training with newfound vigor, determined to prove their mettle in the playoffs and secure their place in the Christmas Champions Cup
Across town at Queens college, the Queens college players gathered in their locker room for a team meeting. Their coach, Mr. Chukwuma stood in the center of the room; a smug grin plastered across his face as he shared the news
"Girls," he began, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "we've got some good news. Our first opponents in the playoffs will be Charlie Queens Academy, a team that has been inactive for quite some time now. I'd say we've got an easy path to the next round, wouldn't you?"
A chorus of laughter and jeers erupted from the team, their confidence bolstered by the prospect of facing what they saw as a weakened team
"Just think about it," Coach Chukwuma continued, "Charlie Queens Academy has been out of the game for 3 years. They must be rusty by now, and we'll be able to steamroll right above them"
Grace, the team's captain, raised her hand, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Coach, what if they've been practicing in secret? What if they come out with some surprise tactics?"
Coach Chukwuma scoffed, dismissing Grace's concerns with a wave of his hand. "I highly doubt that, Grace. You see, practice is good, but when you don't play games, how do you know how strong you are or how strong you've become? For instance, in a term, you attend classes and learn a lot of things during those classes. Now at the end of the term, you are being tested to see how well you understand what you've been taught in class during the term. Without these tests or as we normally call it, examinations, how do we know if you understand what you've been taught during those classes? The same goes for sports; games are used to test our strength and make us even stronger. If we just practice and don't play actual games, we won't be strong. Hence why we have the advantage in this tie. It's a tie between two Queens. Let's show them who the real Queens are"
"YES SIR!" The team chorused
At Rose Mary High School, the news of the Queens' return had set the hall buzzing with excitement and speculation. During their practice session, Aisa and her teammates found themselves discussing the unexpected development
"I can't believe the Queens are back in the game after missing the last two playoffs." Tracy exclaimed, incredulous
"Yeah, it's pretty surprising." Christiana, one of Aisa's teammates chimed in, "but I'm happy they are back because we've been waiting for this moment. It's time to exact our revenge"
Aisa however remained quiet, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. While her teammates were shocked by the Queen's return, she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy as she thought of Tosin, her new rival on the court. "So, you're back, Tosin," she thought
"What's with the smile, Aisa?" Christiana asked, nudging her playfully. "You don't seem as surprise as the rest of us about the Queens"
"Oh, I'm just happy that Tosin's team is back in the game" Aisa replied, her voice filled with genuine warmth
One month later, the Queens' coach stood in the center of the gymnasium, a proud smile on her face as she surveyed the scene before her. Boxes containing their brand-new jerseys were scattered around the room, a tangible sign of the team's readiness for the upcoming match
"Ladies," she announced, "your new jerseys are here. Go ahead and grab your old numbers. The new players can select theirs. With these uniforms, we are finally ready to take on our opponents in tomorrow's game"
The players eagerly dug through the boxes, each one proudly donning their new jerseys with their numbers and names emblazoned on the back. The energy in the room was electric, a mix of anticipation and excitement filling the air
The next day, matchday had finally arrived. The Charlie Queens Academy team arrived at the arena, ready to compete in the round of 16 of the playoffs. As they entered the venue, they were met with a roaring crowd, eager to witness the clash between 2 Queens
As the Charlie Queens prepare for the game, Mrs. Lawal made an unexpected decision. She opted to start the game with the reserve players, leaving Tosin, Oluchi, Shalom, Mercy and Eno on the bench. She instead started the game with Chioma, Mayowa, Tolu, Bisola and Kevwe. It was a bold move, but one that the coach believed would give the team a strategic advantage against their opponents
Tosin, initially taken aback by Mrs. Lawal's decision, quickly composed herself and took her place on the bench with her fellow regulars. She watched intently as the reserve players, putting on the team's traditional away pink jersey with white stripes, took to the court
The match began with Mayowa winning the jump ball. Chioma who replaced Oluchi as the point guard slowly bounced the ball as she walked up the court, shouting "let's take it slowly! One basket at a time!" Marked by Grace, the Queens college team's captain and point guard, she immediately passed the ball to Mayowa. Marked by Zainab, the Queens college team's Center, Mayowa executed a precise post move, culminating in a smooth hook shot and fetching the girls in pink the first points of the game
Meanwhile at the bench
"Coach, why did we start the game with Mayowa and the others?" Tosin asked
Mrs. Lawal turned to Tosin with the other 4 listening intently, her gaze steady and unwavering. "It's all about strategy, Tosin." She replied calmly. "I wanted to surprise the enemies. Always keep the enemies guessing, you know?"
"Oh, I see. Well, that makes sense," Tosin said
"Well, I could say that wasn't the only reason," Mrs. Lawal said, her expression changing into a serious one
"There is another reason?" Tosin asked
"Yes, there is" Mrs. Lawal said, "I wanted you girls, the regulars to understand something important. OVERTAKING IS NOT A SIN!!!"
"What do you mean?" Tosin asked
"Let's take our new and young point guard for instance. Chioma is a slow starter. The opposite of Oluchi here. But watch her in this match. She's a prodigy. If Oluchi is starting to feel comfortable in her starting spot, I'd say she should watch out because a formidable opponent has arrived." she explained
Back at the court
Chioma's defensive prowess shone as she marked Grace, momentarily flustered, hesitated as she attempted to devise her next play. Seizing the opportunity, Tolu swooped in, swiftly tapping the ball away from Grace's grasp and initiating a fastbreak for the Charlie Queens Academy team
Chioma, now in possession of the ball, barreled down the court at break neck speed, her eyes locked on the basket. Just as she leapt into the air, ready to score, Favour, the Queens college team's shooting guard, closed in, blocking her path
In a split-second decision, Chioma expertly executed an elbow pass, deftly slipping the ball into the hands of the waiting Mayowa. Without missing a beat, Mayowa soared towards the basket, slamming the ball home with an authoritative dunk
The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound reverberating throughout the arena. the Queens college team, momentarily stunned by the turn of events quickly called for a timeout
"Coach, this doesn't look like a team that is playing their first game in years." Fortune complained. "Their regulars are on the bench and yet they are winning? What is going on?"
"That's true. And who on earth is that number 9?" asked Zainab
"Her name is Chioma. She's so good. Have they always had a player like that?" asked Fortune, the Queens college team's small forward
"My my. This is not looking good. We are in trouble" said Coach Chukwuma
Meanwhile at the Charlie Queens Academy Team's bench
"That pass was amazing, girl." Tosin said, "Way to go!"
"Thanks," Chioma said, smiling
"Don't let your guard down!" Mrs. Lawal warned
The Charlie Queens listened intently to Mrs. Lawal's instructions as they hope to take complete control of the game
"Alright girls, listen up," Mrs. Lawal began "we are going to continue this way. But this time, put them under pressure. Let them make mistakes. Now let's go give 'em hell!"
"YES MA!" The Charlie Queens team chorused