“Yes, ma’am.” She gave Ariana an exaggerated salute and winked.
Ariana laughed. Only Cam could lighten up such an anxious moment. Nicole Neal was forgotten and they were once again focused on the game they loved. Well, maybe Nicole wasn’t forgotten. Ariana would file that image and knowledge away for later.
While LA was being introduced, Ariana reached for a quick sip of water. She sat down along with the other starters on the bench as the rest of the team lined up facing each other to give them a makeshift runway.
After LA was introduced, the lights dimmed and music began to filter through the arena. A highlight reel played on the big screens and the crowd cheered louder and louder. As each of them were introduced they hopped up, giving their teammates high fives, low fives, or rehearsed elaborate handshakes. This was a playful way to lessen the stress leading up to tip-off.
Ariana was the first to be introduced and had a special word of encouragement for each of her teammates as they joined her in a huddle on the floor. She always preferred to lead through example, but planned to be more vocal this season. Her leadership would be centered around encouragement and lifting up every player, whether they were starters or came off the bench during the game.
When all the starters were in the huddle Ariana looked each of them in the eye. “New season. We are a team and we win together. Every one of you has special talents. Let’s go out and show the world!”
Her teammates began to jump up and down, obviously inspired by the moment. They ran back to the bench for last minute instructions from their coaches.
As Ariana started to walk out to take her place on the court her coach, Misty Bell, put an arm around her and quietly said, “They’re your team, Ari. Lead them like only you can.”
Ariana nodded.
“And don’t forget to shoot!” Misty nodded at her and winked.
Ariana decided right then if the opportunity arose for her to get a good shot, she wouldn’t automatically pass the ball like the defense expected her to do. She’d shoot and it had better go in the hoop!
The players lined up around the half court circle preparing for the jump ball that would start the game. Ariana was facing her basket because she expected her center, Nia Stevens, to win the ball. She glanced over to the scorer’s table, waiting for the referees to take the court. Her attention was drawn to Nicole Neal whose lips were moving as she spoke into her headset. Nicole was looking right at her and Ariana gave her a slight smile, thinking,could she be talking about me?
The referee blew her whistle and tossed the ball in the air. Just like Ariana suspected Nia won the ball and tapped it to Ariana. The players ran down the court to set up and that’s when Ariana noticed her defender was playing at least two steps back from her, expecting her to pass. Ariana took the opening, stopped, and shot from behind the three-point line. She was rewarded with awhooshas the ball slipped through the basket, never touching the rim.
The crowd went wild. Cameron gave her the biggest smile and a high five as she ran by to play defense on the other end of the court. Ariana winked at her, thinking,if Nicole Neal wasn’t talking about me before, she is now.
A couple of minutes later, after Ariana had scored another three point shot, LA began to guard her more closely. This opened the passing lanes and she fed her other teammates perfect passes for easy layups. LA called a time out to readjust their defense.
Coach Bell met Ariana as she hurried to the bench and gave her a high five. “That’s what I’m talking about! Great job, Villa.”
Ariana smiled and grabbed her water bottle before sitting down to hear the adjustments they needed to make as well.
The game began to flow and LA kept it close because New York’s defense was not what it should be. Ariana encouraged her teammates to communicate and as they went into halftime, New York led by four points.
Ariana had scored two more baskets as she drove the lane and pulled up to shoot when the defense collapsed near the basket. She had ten points and six assists in the first half which was a bit unusual for her. She was known for her assists but didn’t usually score more than ten points a game.
As she left the court the sideline reporter stopped her to do a quick interview.
“Ariana, it looks like you’ll be shooting more this season,” she said. “Is that part of the new look offense?”
“We’ll see,” Ariana said humbly. “My shots are going in and I’m happy with that, but we’ve got to defend better when they have the ball.”
“What adjustments are you expecting at halftime?”
Ariana smiled and looked at the reporter. “Now, Keeley, I can’t tell you that or LA will be ready for it.” She chuckled. “As I said, our defense needs to step up.”
“Thanks, Ariana, for taking the time to talk to us,” Keeley said with a smile.
“Anytime.” Ariana smiled into the camera and jogged off the court into the tunnel to join her team.
Cameron met Ariana at the locker room door with a big smile. “Who’s the star now?”
Ariana smirked. “This will last a couple of games and then the other teams’ defenses will catch on. Besides, making them guard me sure does leave you and Nia wide open. I love it!”
“Okay, let’s talk defense,” Coach Li said, standing at the white board. Emerson Li had been the defensive player of the year three times during her career. She’d joined Coach Bell’s staff this season and the team was still learning her system.
Ariana took the hydration drink the trainer handed her and listened intently. She knew their communication was still lacking, but it was better during the second quarter. Ariana had also had two steals during the first half that led to easy layupsas Cameron sprinted down the court. She was able to bat the ball away because her teammates were making it hard for the opposing player to pass the ball. If they all stayed with their assignments then the system worked.
