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Flashback
*September 22nd 2064*
The morning sun shone brightly, illuminating the room of a young girl who was soundly asleep in her bed, snuggled cozily under her blanket. The blaring sound of the alarm clock filled the air, signaling that it was already 6 am. With a groan, the girl rolled over and pressed the snooze button, longing for a few more minutes of rest
A tall, middle-aged man entered the room, carrying a tray filled with a cup of tea, butter, a plate with 4 slices of bread, and a spoon. "Nkem!" He called out, setting the tray down on Nkem's table
"Yes, Daddy," Nkem softly answered, her eyes still closed as she tried to hold onto the last remnant of sleep
"Get up! It's time for school. What kind of sleep is this?" Nkem's Dad questioned with a hint of amusement. He had been knocking on her door, but Nkem had been too deep in slumber to hear him
Nkem continued to sleep, ignoring her father's gentle prodding. Seeing no other option, her dad opened the window, allowing the bright morning light to flood the room. Nkem reacted by covering her face with her thick blanket, trying to escape the sudden brightness
"Hey, wake up already," her dad urged with a soft chuckle. "You don't want to be late on your first day, do you?" He slowly pulled away Nkem's blanket exposing her to the light and the reality of the new day
Nkem finally woke up, blinking, away the sleep from her eyes as she glanced at the clock. "It's 6:09 already? Aww, I'm still tired," she said, a hint of disappointment in her voice
"Get ready for school, or you'll be late," her dad warned, his tone now more serious. He walked out of the room, giving Nkem the privacy she needed to prepare for the day
Twenty minutes later, Nkem could hear her father yelling from downstairs, "Nkem! The bus is here! Hurry up!"
"I'm ready, Daddy. Give me a minute," Nkem yelled back, hastily finishing up her preparations
Soon, the sound of Nkem's footsteps echoed through the house as she rushed down the stairs. Her father greeted her with a kiss on the forehead, wishing her good luck and a wonderful day at school. Nkem smiled, feeling grateful for her dad's support as she embarked on a new chapter in her life
Nkem's first day at African Church International High School was filled with anticipation and excitement, despite her late arrival due to the heavy morning traffic. As she stood before the entrance gate, admiring the school's name and logo boldly displayed on the sign, a sense of belonging began to wash over her
Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by the authoritative voice of a uniform man, clearly identifiable as the school's security. "Hey! What are you doing there?! You are late! You should be running to your class!" he scolded
"Oh, my bad. I'm sorry, sir. I will be on my way now," Nkem apologized with a polite smile, acknowledging her tardiness. She dashed into the school premises, eager to begin her day
The vastness of African Church International High School was impressive and slightly intimidating to newcomers. Fortunately, the school's management had implemented signs throughout the school, guiding visitors to their destinations and preventing them from getting lost. With the aid of these signs, Nkem easily located her class.
Just as she was about to enter, a familiar voice called out to her. "Nkem!"
Recognizing the voice, Nkem turned to see her old friend, Ruth, beaming with excitement. "I knew it was you! Long time no see, even though we saw each other just a month ago. How have you been?"
"Ruth!" Nkem exclaimed, overjoyed to see her friend again. They embraced tightly, cherishing the serendipity of their reunion
"It's been a while," Nkem said, grinning from ear to ear
Ruth's smile widened as she revealed the unexpected presence of another mutual friend. "I wasn't expecting to see you too. Margaret is here as well. She's in the class right now."
"Are you serious?" Nkem asked, her face brightening with excitement
"Yeah, including you, we sum up to three of us attending this school. I wonder how the other three are doing." Ruth mused
Eager to reunite with Margaret, Nkem said "That's great! Let's go to our class and meet her already." With that, she enthusiastically dragged Ruth by the hand towards their classroom, excited to embark on their high school journey together
In a vibrant classroom filled with 48 students, each individual found solace in different activities that piqued their interests. The room buzzed with excitement as they delved into their respective passions and conversations. Divided randomly into various groups, their discussions touched on a wide range of topics from sports and entertainment to art and culture. Meanwhile, a few students engage in a game of pen wrestling, their pen clashing on the table
Margaret sat quietly amidst the cacophony of voices, immersed in her studies as she patiently awaited Ruth's arrival. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the energy of new beginnings and endless possibilities. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Nkem and Ruth walked in. Nkem's face lit up with a bright smile as she rushed over to Margaret
"Hello, Margaret! It's been a while. I've missed you!" Nkem exclaimed, embracing her friend warmly
Margaret stood up, returning Nkem's hug. "Heeeeeeeeeey! Nkem! How long has it been? One month. How are you doing?"
As the two friends chatted, Ruth joined in, smiling, "You know, it's nice that three of us ended up in the same school"
Nkem nodded in agreement. "I wished all six of us were here together"
Margaret's expression turned wistful. "Well, it can't be helped"
Amidst the lively exchange of introductions and greetings, the authoritative figure of their Mathematics teacher, strode into the classroom. His commanding presence immediately silenced the once-noisy space as the students eagerly listened to his words. The teacher introduced himself as Mr. Wahab and asked the students to introduce themselves one by one.
As the Students began to introduce themselves, Nkem's mind wandered. She thought about how great it was that three of them were at the same school, and how they could train together and get stronger. A competitive glint sparked in her eyes as she thought about the other three. "We will crush them all with everything we've got," she thought, her grip on her pen tightening
Mr. Wahab's voice cut through her reverie. "Hey…. Hey… hey…." He called, trying to get Nkem's attention
Ruth tapped Nkem's arm and she snapped back to reality
"Yeah, what is it?" Nkem asked, looking at Ruth
"Mr. Wahab is calling you" Ruth said as Nkem looked at Mr. Wahab
"Introduce yourself to the class," Mr. Wahab instructed
Nkem apologized and stood up, a bright smile on her face. "I'm Nkem Maduka, pleased to meet you all"
The engaging Mathematics class continued for two hours, paving the way for new lessons and connections among the students.
Few hours later, the alarm signaling lunchtime broke through the air, prompting students to disperse from the classroom in various directions. A handful flocked to the cafeteria, eager to enjoy a satisfying meal or a quick snack. Others ventured to purchase soft drinks to quench their thirst, while a group of students made their way to the basketball court, transforming it into an improvised soccer field as they engaged in a spirited game
Amidst the flurry of activity, Nkem, Margaret, and Ruth remained in the classroom, taking advantage of the time to enjoy their lunch and discuss their plans for the academic year ahead. As Margaret savored a spoonful of rice, she turned her attention to Nkem and posed a question that took her by surprise
"Which club are you planning to join?" Margaret asked
Nkem, momentarily taken aback, responded with a slight air of incredulity. "Are you kidding? I'm joining the basketball club, of course. Did you guys forget the promise we made just a month ago already?"
Ruth chimed in; her tone took a serious edge. We didn't forget. But we've encountered an obstacle"
Intrigued by the sudden shift in mood, Nkem leaned in closer. "What kind of obstacle are we dealing with?
"A significant one, to say the least," Ruth answered, exchanging a meaningful look with Margaret
Putting down her spoon, Margaret took a moment to explain the challenging situation. "As it turns out, this school doesn't have a basketball team. Not even a boys' team exists here."
Nkem's eyes widened in disbelief as she struggled to come to terms with this unforeseen revelation. "How are we supposed to move forward now?"
Margaret and Ruth weighed the option of transferring to another school at the end of the term, expressing their shared fear of squandering six years without being able to engage in their beloved sport. Turning to Nkem, Margaret sought her opinion on the matter
Nkem paused for a moment, carefully weighing their options before sharing her thoughts. "What if we create a basketball club?"
Margaret and Ruth visibly taken aback by Nkem's bold suggestion, listened intently as she said out her plan. "We've got three members already. Add two more to that and we can play official games, right? So, we should instead create a basketball club in this school and recruit new members. Also, we have a basketball court, don't we? We should take care of it and maintain it"
Inspired by Nkem's ambitious vision. Ruth responded with an enthusiastic grin. "Alright. I'm in"
Margaret, equally captivated by the prospect of creating a new basketball club from the ground up, eagerly agreed. "Count me in. Let's do this"
United in their determination, the trio began to save money for the club. They allocated the funds towards printing flyers, which they diligently distributed among the female students in the school. The corridors and walls of the school were soon adorned with the flyers, extending an open invitation to all girls who might be interested in joining the new basketball club. However, despite their efforts, not a single student showed any interest in joining. It was as if their dreams of becoming pros were slowly slipping away. Days turned into weeks, but despite their best efforts, no one stepped forward to join. But they continued to work tirelessly, believing that their struggles will end soon
Few days later, two new staff members arrived at the school. They were foreigners, and they seemed to bring breath of fresh air with them. As they walked around the school, they noticed the flyers that the trio had posted
"Whoever did this is passionate" one of the foreign teachers said, a hint of a smile on his face
"Yeah" His colleague replied, nodding in agreement
The two teachers made inquiries about who printed the flyers. As soon as they found out about the trio, they promptly summoned them to the staffroom. Bracing themselves for a reprimand, Nkem, Margaret, and Ruth entered the room. They had been summoned before and it hadn't ended well.
"Good morning, sir, good morning, ma" they greeted the foreign teachers, who summoned them, in unison, their voice tinged with apprehension
"Good morning, young ladies," Mr. and Mrs. Blanc, the two foreign teachers replied, their smile warm and welcoming
The trio introduced themselves and Mr. Blanc explained that he and his wife had decided to join the new basketball club. "I'll be the coach, so you can call me Coach Blanc," he said, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "While my wife will be the manager of the club."
The trio's faces lit up with joy. They had never expected this turn of events. They thanked Mr. and Mrs. Blanc, their heart filled with gratitude
Coach Blanc asked how many members the club had, and Nkem replied that, including the Blancs, they sum up to five members
Coach Blanc nodded thoughtfully. "We need more members.... Alright, I'll do my best to assist. You guys just keep doing your best"
The trio nodded eagerly; their spirits lifted by the Coach's words
"Also, training starts today" Coach Blanc announced, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Be ready, because it's going to be tough"
The trio grinned at each other; their faces set with determination. "Yes sir!" they chorused; their voice filled with excitement
As they left the staffroom, the trio felt a sense of joy and hope that they hadn't felt in weeks. They knew that they still had a long way to go, but with Coach Blanc and his wife on their side, they felt like they could conquer anything
As the school alarm blared, signaling the end of another day, the students swiftly gathered their belongings and prepared to return home. For most, the alarm meant it was time to depart, but for the dedicated trio, however, the alarm signified something more- the beginning of their high school basketball journey as they eagerly look forward to their first basketball training session with Coach Blanc
The trio made their way to the school's basketball court, where Coach Blanc and his wife patiently awaited their arrival. After exchanging polite greetings, the girls stood at attention, facing Coach Blanc and his wife, eager to absorb every word as Coach Blanc addressed them
"Today marks your first training session, but before we begin, I need to gather information about your individual playing styles. This will help me determine which positions will best suit each of you on the team." Coach Blanc explained
"Yes sir," the trio replied in unison, their anticipation for the process of building their team palpable
Coach Blanc continued, "Before we dive into today's training, I'd like you to tidy up the court. I have a surprise for you all, so I'll return shortly."
The mention of a surprise piqued the girls' interest, and they responded enthusiastically, "Yes sir!" before setting to work cleaning up the basketball court. Their curiosity fueled their determination to complete the task swiftly and efficiently
As the trio tidied the court, they couldn't help but speculate on what the surprise might be. The once unkempt basketball court steadily transformed under their diligent hands, a testament to their dedication to the team and their shared vision of establishing a successful basketball club at African Church International High School
While awaiting Coach Blanc's return, the girls took a moment to reflect on the progress they had made. Just a short time ago, the prospect of having a Coach and a manager seemed like a distant dream. Now, with this unexpected turn of events, their hopes were reignited and they began to believe in their aspirations once more. Although they still lacked the necessary number of players to participate in official games and competitions, the presence of a Coach and manager gave them the confidence that they would soon overcome this obstacle
The sound of the Coach's voice disrupted their conversation, and the girls quickly rose to welcome him and his wife back to the court. To their astonishment, they were met with an unexpected sight- several large men carrying various pieces of equipment, including a mesh basketball bag brimming with numerous basketballs
Under Coach Blanc's direction, the men set about replacing the old, rusty hoops with brand new ones. As they worked, a sense of excitement permeated the air, and the girls eagerly anticipated the court's transformation. Once the men had completed their task, the trio gathered around Coach Blanc and his wife, eager to express their gratitude
"A painter will be here by the weekend to give the court a fresh coat of paint, but for now, let's make do with these improvements" Coach Blanc explained, his eyes surveying the revamped court.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Blanc opened the basketball bag, releasing a cascade of balls that scattered across the court, their vibrant colours standing out against the worn surface
With a new sense of determination, Coach Blanc announced, "Now, let's get down to business." His expression reflected the hard work and dedication that lay ahead, as he prepared to guide the trio in honing their skills and transforming their dreams into reality
As Coach Blanc addressed the trio, their attention was drawn to the arrival of three unfamiliar teenage girls, who appeared to be of a similar age. The girls were clearly foreign and the trio couldn't help but wonder about their connection to the Blancs. Curiosity piqued, they found it difficult to tear their gaze away from these mysterious visitors
Noticing their distraction, Coach Blanc proceeded to introduce the girls. "Alright, everyone, this is what we'll be doing today. As I mentioned earlier, I need to assess your playing styles. You three will be playing against these girls- Juliet, Natassia, and Cassie" He gestured towards the newcomers, introducing them one by one
To incentivize the trio to perform at their best, Coach Blanc added a challenging consequence should they lose the match. "Nkem, if your team loses, you will each be running 20 laps around the school every morning, which must be completed before the morning assembly."
Taken aback by the stakes, the trio exclaimed, "Sir!" Their voices echoed across the court, a blend of surprise and determination
The mini-game commenced, and the court came alive with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor and the ball bouncing between players. Despite their best efforts, the trio was ultimately outmatched by their foreign opponents, losing the game with a scoreline of 12-5
As the game concluded, a sense of disappointment washed over the trio. However, the experience had given Coach Blanc valuable insight into their playing styles, which would be crucial in honing their skills and guiding them towards success in future matches. The presence of Juliet, Natassia, and Cassie had added an unexpected twist to their first training session, offering a glimpse into the exciting journey that lay ahead
The trio gathered in front of Coach Blanc and his wife, their expressions a mix of anticipation and trepidation as they awaited his feedback. Despite their defeat, they were eager to learn from the experience and improve their skills
Coach Blanc began, "First of all, good job today. The score might not be what you had hoped for, but remember that this is only the beginning. There is plenty of room for this team to grow, and I have faith in each one of you." His words instilled a sense of hope within the girls
However, the reminder of their impending punishment dampened their spirits. "As I said earlier, since you lost the game, you'll be running 20 laps every morning before the morning assembly. This will start tomorrow. No slacking off."
The trio groaned, understanding the importance of adhering to their Coach's instructions
Moving on to the crucial part of the debrief, Coach Blanc addressed each girl individually, assigning roles within the team, providing valuable insights based on their performances during the mini-game
Starting with Nkem, he said, "Nkem, you'll be the point guard of this team. As the point guard, you'll a heavy responsibility. From what I observed today, you need to work on your long-range shots. Your dribbling ability isn't bad, but continue putting in the effort. Also, you are the team's Captain"
Nkem responded with a resolute, "Right!" as she absorbed her Coach's advice
Turning to Margaret, Coach Blanc said, "Margaret, you should make use of your natural assets. Your large body build and physical strength are your weapons. You will be the center of the team."
Recognizing the significance of her role, Margaret replied, "Roger"
Finally, addressing Ruth, Coach Blanc said explained, "Ruth, I'll be working closely with you to help you develop your style. For now, you'll be our small forward."
Ruth nodded, committing herself to the task at hand
With the roles assigned and areas for improvement identified, Coach Blanc concluded the session, saying, "We still lack enough members, but it's only a matter of time. Remember to pack the balls and store them in a safe place. "I'll see you all tomorrow"
As the trio gathered the balls and tidied the court, they felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Under the guidance of Coach Blanc and his wife, they knew that the future hold great potential for their burgeoning basketball club. Despite the challenges ahead, Nkem, Margaret, and Ruth were more determined than ever to make their dreams a reality
The addition of club activities to their daily routines, including early morning laps, training sessions, and club meetings, left the trio with little to no free time. As a result, they began waking up much earlier than usual to accommodate their busy schedules. Initially, adjusting to this new routine proved challenging, particularly for Nkem, who cherished her sleep. However, as time passed, their bodies adapted to the early hours, and they soon found themselves arriving at school as early as 5 am to ensure they complete their 20 laps before the morning assembly
Despite their relentless effort and dedication, no one expressed interest in joining the female basketball club. As their first year came to a close without participating in a single official game, frustration began to set in. Nevertheless, the trio persevered, holding onto the belief that their second year would bring about change
One fateful Friday afternoon, the girls made their way to the basketball court for their training session. Upon arrival, they were met with an astounding sight that left them in awe
"Wow! What was that?!" Nkem exclaimed; her eyes wide with amazement
"I never knew Mrs. Blanc was so good at basketball" Nkem remarked, equally impressed
"I can't believe she made Coach Blanc fall with that move. What was that?" Margaret asked, eager to unravel the secret behind Mrs. Blanc's incredible move
Turning her attention to the girls, Mrs. Blanc smiled and said, "Oh, you girls are here. We decided to play a little one-on-one duel while waiting for you guys. Now that you're all here, let's begin"
"Mrs. Blanc," Nkem called out, her curiosity piqued by the impressive maneuver she had just witnessed
"What?" Mrs. Blanc responded, her smile still in place
"What was that trick you pulled off just now?" Nkem asked, her desire to learn and improve evident in her voice
"Oh, that," Mrs. Blanc began. "That was the ankle breaker- a dribbling move where a player suddenly changes direction by switching the ball from one hand to the other. The aim is to cause the defender to stumble or fall, allowing the attacker to shoot of pass the ball"
"Wow! That's cool" Nkem exclaimed
"I know, right?" Mrs. Blanc agreed, her smile conveying her shared love for the sport
"Can you teach me?" Nkem eagerly requested, her enthusiasm for mastering the ankle-breaker evident in her voice
"Sure" Mrs. Blanc agreed, more than willing to share her knowledge with the passionate young player.
As Mrs. Blanc began instructing Nkem on the intricacies of the move, Coach Blanc shifted his focus to the other two girls
"Hello, young ladies," he greeted, his tone reflecting his dedication to each team member's growth and development
"Good afternoon, sir," the girls responded in unison, their respect for their Coach evident in their demeanor
"I want to teach you girls a technique each" Coach Blanc began, his attention turning to Margaret "Let's start with you"
"Alright sir" Margaret replied, her determination to learn and improve shining through
Coach Blanc walked over to his bag and retrieve a heavy rock, which he then tossed in Margaret's direction. "Margaret, catch this with one hand- but beware that it's heavy," he warned
Startled by the object flying towards her, Margaret initially hesitated before quickly dodging the rock as it hit the ground. "A stone?" she asked, surprise colouring her voice
"Margaret, if you want to achieve greatness, this should be a piece of cake for you," Coach Blanc explained. "I told you that your size is your weapon. If you maximize it, you could become an incredible player someday. Practice catching rocks with your dominant hand both here and at home"
"Right!" Margaret replied, absorbing her coach's advice and committing herself to the task
"When you're in class, use this," Coach Blanc continued, throwing a foam hand gripper towards Margaret, who caught it with ease. "Make sure to use it even during classes. You can use it while writing, right?"
"Yes, sir," Margaret confirmed, understanding the importance of building her strength both on and off the court
"Ruth," Coach Blanc called, turning to address the third member of their close-knit team
"Sir!" Ruth responded, her attentiveness a testament to her dedication to the sport and her respect for her coach
"I want you to focus on improving your observation and analytical skills, as well as your passing abilities. Hone these three aspects, and you'll be on the right track." Coach Blanc advised, imparting his wisdom to the young athlete
"Yes, sir," Ruth obliged, taking her Coach's words to heart and committing herself to the task at hand
"Remember, I'll be working closely with you," Coach Blanc continued. "If you ever feel lost or need guidance, don't hesitate to come to me, okay?"
"Right!" Ruth agreed, grateful for the support and mentorship provided by Coach Blanc
Over the course of their second and third years, the trio diligently trained to improve their individual skills. Their hard work paid off, as they each grew stronger and more adept in their respective roles on the team. However, despite their individual progress, their team remained stagnant, as no new members joined throughout their three years junior high school period
*July 13th 2066*
As they were wrapping up their third year and preparing to transition to the senior classes, doubt began to creep in. Ruth, looking worried, expressed her concerns, "Hey, Nkem," she called out
"What is it?" Nkem asked
"Do you think we should be here?" Ruth asked, her brow furrowed in concern
"What do you mean?" Margaret asked, uncertain about the implication of Ruth's question
"I've been thinking," Ruth continued, "we've been training for three years now with Coach Blanc and his wife. I'm incredibly grateful for all they've done, but we still haven't had our debut game. No official game in three years- should we really be here? Maybe we should consider transferring to another school. What do you guys think?"
The suggestion hung in the air as the girls considered their options. On the one hand, they valued the guidance and support provided by Coach Blanc and his wife. On the other, they couldn't ignore the possibilities of wasting six years in high school without playing a single official game
Just as the silence threatened to consume them, a female voice broke through, "Hi, good afternoon"
"Hello there," Nkem replied, turning to face the two unfamiliar girls standing at the entrance of JSS3 classroom. "How may we help you?"
"My name is Lola" One of the girls introduced herself, a hopeful expression on her face
"I'm Evelyn," the other girl chimed in, sharing an equally eager smile. "And…. We want to join the female basketball club"
The trio could hardly believe their ears. Elation filled their hearts as they jumped for joy, celebrating the arrival of their new teammates. With this addition, they would finally be able to participate in official games and compete in the much-anticipated competitions. The future of the African Church International High School's Female Basketball Club had never looked brighter
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Back to the present
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the African Church International High School Basketball Team prepare for the final quarter, the score at 74-64. Captain Nkem sat at the center of her team as they get ready to listen to Coach Blanc's instructions ahead of the final quarter; her face a mix of determination and fierce spirit
"Guys, we've come this far." Nkem asserted, her voice ringing with conviction. "We can't lose here!"
"YEAH!" The team roared in unison