Chapter One
Ashrill whistle pierced the air, stopping play as the crowd collectively sighed.
“Time out, Toronto. With two minutes left in the game, this one is coming down to the wire. Did you expect it to be this close, Nicole?”
“I’m not surprised. Look at the intensity on both team’s faces, Shealyn. You wouldn’t know this is a preseason game,” Nicole replied.
“We’ll be right back after this break. Get ready for the conclusion of this WNBA battle,” Shealyn said into her headset.
“And we’re out. Ninety seconds,” a voice said in Nicole’s headphones. She reached down to get a water bottle off the floor and took a drink. “This really has been a good game,” Nicole said.
“It has. I guess you’re glad we’re starting the season at home in New York in a few days,” Shealyn said.
“Oh, it’s just beginning,” Nicole replied. “I’m ready for the games, but not the traveling grind.”
Nicole Neal had been a women’s basketball commentator for the last eighteen years. She started playing basketball as a kidand went to college on a basketball scholarship. Majoring in communications was a strategic move on her part because she knew it would be difficult to make a professional team after graduation. At only 5’7”, she was always considered undersized.
Nicole loved the game and wanted to be involved. After college she played with the Houston Comets of the Women’s National Basketball Association, but she was cut before the first season ended. That’s when she started her journey into broadcasting. She made a name for herself with insightful commentary about the players and their skills as well as strategies that were employed during games.
She started in the college ranks and worked her way up until she and Shealyn became the network’s number one team in women’s professional basketball. Nicole still called some college games and had been the primary color commentator for the NCAA women’s basketball championship tournament for the last ten years.
She and Shealyn were a formidable duo who not only excelled at their work, but were also good friends. Spending time together in production meetings, preparing for games, coordinating wardrobes, and calling some of the most exciting games in WNBA history led to a friendship that had become more like family.
“Three, two, one,” the voice said in her ear.
“And we’re back,” Shealyn said. “Toronto will bring the ball in just this side of half court.”
“I have been impressed with this Toronto team. Even though they are an expansion team and new in the league this year, these players have gelled and found chemistry in the short time they’ve had in training camp.”
“Have you been surprised with anyone in particular?”
“I’m not surprised, but I love the role Miller is playing on this team. She’s given them a presence inside and can block shots that I don’t think Chicago was expecting,” Nicole said.
“She’s had two blocks in this quarter alone,” Shealyn commented.
The sounds of shoes squeaking on the floor then a roar from the crowd echoed around the arena.
“Miller with another block!” Shealyn exclaimed.
“How about this crowd!” Nicole said over the noise. “Toronto wants to be Canada’s team and they have certainly filled the Coca-Cola Coliseum this afternoon. The excitement in this building has been loud and constant since tip-off.”
“What a move!” Shealyn said. “Miller cuts towards the basket and is fouled. The ball rolls around the rim, goes in, and now Miller steps to the free throw line.”
“She’s six of nine from the line this afternoon,” Nicole said. “That’s an improvement from last season. She’s definitely worked on free throws in the offseason.”
“Miller sinks the free throw and Toronto is down by one,” Shealyn reported.
“Toronto needs a stop if they’re going to have a chance to win this game,” Nicole said. “Their defense has been excellent at times and loose at others which is not unusual for a team with players new to each other and new to the system.”
“Chicago whips the ball around to find an open shot,” Shealyn said. “Sims puts it up and the long rebound goes to Toronto! James races down the court.”
“But here comes Sims,” Nicole said.
“James stops to take the shot at the buzzer! Sims gets a piece of it and the ball falls short. Game over. Chicago holds on for the one-point victory.”
“Wow, what a recovery by Sims,” Nicole said. “She sprinted down the court, trying to disrupt James’ shot, and just got apiece of the ball to knock it off target. Great hustle after missing her own shot.”
“What an exciting ending to a very entertaining game. Takeaways, Nicole?”
