The opening tip went to Jefferson Prep.
Their centerâa 6'9" junior named Brandon Wright who already had offers from Power Five conferencesâeasily outjumped Malik. The ball found their point guard, who pushed it upcourt without hesitation.
Jefferson's defense scrambled to set up. Prep moved the ball around the perimeter, patient, waiting for the perfect shot. When it cameâa backdoor cut that left their shooting guard wide openâthe execution was flawless.
2-0, Prep.
"Stay with them," Marcus called. "Don't panic."
Jefferson answered on the next possession. Darius drove the lane, drew the defense, and kicked to Kevin in the corner. *Swish.* Tied at 2.
The first quarter was a chess match.
Both teams played at a high level, trading baskets with crisp passing and tight defense. The lead changed hands seven times.
With two minutes left in the quarter, the score was 18-16, Prep.
Then TJ happened.
Prep's star guardâa kid named Jerome Davis who was committed to Dukeâtried to cross TJ over near the top of the key. TJ anticipated it, got a hand on the ball, and came up with a steal.
He pushed the ball upcourt, Jerome scrambling to recover behind him.
TJ pulled up for a three. Contested. The kind of shot coaches hate.
*Swish.*
19-18, Jefferson.
"YES!" Marcus pumped his fist. "That's what I'm talking about!"
The quarter ended with Jefferson up 22-20.
---
The second quarter saw both coaches adjust.
Coach Blake switched to a zone defense, trying to take away Jefferson's driving lanes. Marcus countered with more ball movement, swinging the ball around the perimeter to create open shots.
The shooters delivered. Kevin hit two threes. Jayden knocked down another, looking completely comfortable in a way that would have been unthinkable two months ago. Jefferson's lead grew.
28-22. 31-24. 35-28.
"They're crumbling," Darius said during a timeout.
"They're adjusting," Marcus corrected. "Watchâthey're going to change something."
Blake's adjustment came with three minutes left in the half: a full-court press designed to disrupt Jefferson's rhythm. Aggressive, almost reckless. But it worked.
Jefferson turned the ball over twice in the final two minutes. Prep converted both turnovers into easy baskets. The lead shrank.
At halftime, Jefferson led 38-35.
"That press is going to be a problem," Marcus said in the locker room. "They're gambling, but they're creating chaos."
"How do we beat it?" Kevin asked.
"By being smart. Use the middle of the court. Make the diagonal pass. If they trap, someone's openâfind that person."
"What about Malik?" Darius pointed to the center, who had been quiet in the first halfâonly 8 points.
"Their center is good. He's making Malik work for everything." Marcus looked at Malik. "How are you feeling?"
"Frustrated. He's stronger than anyone I've faced."
"Then go around him. Use your quickness instead of your power. Make him guard you in space."
"I can do that."
"Good. Second half, we're going to look for you more. Prep's going to have to respect it, which will open things up for everyone else."
---
Both teams came out of the break with renewed energy. The gym was deafening now, the crowd on its feet for nearly every possession.
Jefferson pushed the lead early. Malik took Marcus's advice and started using his mobility instead of trying to overpower Wright. A spin move. A step-back jumper. A driving hook that left Wright flat-footed.
43-37, Jefferson.
Prep answered. Jerome Davis took over, scoring on three straight possessions, making it look easy every time. There was a reason Duke wanted him.
43-44, Prep.
The lead had evaporated.
"Stay composed!" Marcus shouted. "Keep executing!"
The third quarter became a war of attrition. Neither team could build a significant advantage. Every time Jefferson scored, Prep answered. Every time Prep took the lead, Jefferson clawed it back.
With four minutes left in the quarter, Jayden caught the ball in the corner. His defender was right on himâno space, no time.
He shot anyway.
The ball hung in the air. Marcus held his breath.
*Swish.*
48-47, Jefferson.
"That's the one!" Marcus yelled. "That's the Jayden Moore special!"
Jayden sprinted back on defense, face blank, hands loose. No panic. No hesitation. A different player than the one who'd air-balled in his first big game.
The third quarter ended 54-52, Jefferson.
One quarter left.
---
During the timeout before the fourth quarter, Marcus gathered his team.
"Eight minutes." He looked at each of them. "You know what's at stake. You know what you've put into this. So I'm not going to stand here and give you a speech."
"What's the play?" Darius asked.
"Same thing we've been doing. Move the ball, find the open man, play defense." Marcus paused. "Coach Morrison is watching. Make it count."
"For Coach Morrison," the team said.
"For Coach Morrison."
They put their hands together.
"Family on three. One, two, threeâ"
"FAMILY!"
Eight minutes. Marcus wiped his hands on his pants and turned toward the court.
