Rebound: A 2nd Chance

The bus ride to Los Angeles took almost two hours, but unfortunately for Jefferson the bad California traffic would be the least of their worries today.

The committee decided to up the budget after their numbers reached a new high last year. Unlike last year this year's county finals would be played at UCLA.

At first all of the boys were excited to get a chance to play at a college arena like the Pauley Pavilion before the state tournament.

Especially the boys who just joined the team this year. For them this would be the first time in their lives that they would be able to play in such a history filled location.

But as soon as they were stopped at the entrance the smiles disappeared from all of their faces, including Coach Swendel.

With a serious expression on his face he stared at the person that was working "What are you doing? We're Jefferson Middle School.

We're playing here tonight. Why are you stopping us?" The lady that was put in charge of the entrance gulped before answering.

"W-we know who you and the boys behind you are sir. There just seems to be a slight problem. I was told to alert management when you and the team arrive.

It will just take a moment. They should be on their way as we speak." Coach Swendel crossed his arms as his brows began to furrow.

"The game starts in less than an hour. My boys still need to stretch and warm up before getting some shots up.

Because I don't know if you've heard or not, or maybe you just don't care, but tonight we're playing for the county title and our ticket to the state tournament.

I don't know and honestly I don't care about the 'Slight problem' that you and whoever is in charge of here have to deal with.

But I do know that me and my team need to get inside right now. So if you need us you'll just have to find us after we get situated."

He turned around to face the boys "Let's go." He then began to walk past the lady but before he could take two steps she pulled her radio close to her mouth.

"Security to player entrance B." Coach Swendel saw two tall and muscular men walk out from inside the building.

They each moved to Coach Swendel's sides and grabbed him by the arm "You do not yet have permission to enter sir."

Coach Swendel looked at the two men with an incredulous look on his face "What the hell are you two doing!?

Get your arms off of me! You can't treat me like this! I am not a criminal!" But despite his words the security guards continued to hold on to him.

The lady wiped a drop of sweat that had formed on the side of her face "Like I said sir, management will be here shortly so-"

She wouldn't get a chance to finish what she had planned to say "Get your fucking hands off of our coach."

His cold voice drew the attention of the two guards as well as the lady in charge of the entrance. They saw as Jason took a step toward them.

"Are you two deaf or just stupid? I know I might look like this but I only speak two languages, English and Facts.

I told you in English to get your hands off of our coach. And now Imma speak Facts, if you don't get your hands offa him you about to regret it big time."

The two men weren't intimidated by Jason in the slightest. They were both much taller and much more muscular than him.

One of the guards chuckled "Oh yeah kid? And why would we regret it? Are you going to make us regret it?"

Jason pulled his phone out of his pocket and aimed it at them "Yeah, I will. I'm sure this video has tons of potential to go viral.

What should I choose for a title? UCLA manhandles innocent middle school basketball coach? Or maybe, UCLA security acting like two bit thugs.

Nah, none of those have the kind of ring that I'm looking for. That's okay, I'm sure a good title will pop into my head later tonight."

The two security guards and the women both froze on the spot as beads of nervous sweat began to form on their foreheads.

But despite the clear nervousness on their faces none of the guards let go of their hold on Coach Swendel.

It became a Mexican standoff as Jason stared down the two guards. Behind Jason stood Kyle and the other boys who were on the team last year.

Most of the seventh graders all distanced themselves from Jason and the other eight graders as they took a few steps back.

But the Silva twins as well as Donte and Frank stood by Matt and the others behind Jason. Initially Sam had taken a step back along with the other seventh graders.

But after seeing his seventh grade friends all stand with Jason he moved up and joined them. But he was clearly apprehensive still as he leaned in and whispered to Jason.

"Uh, not trying to challenge your authority or anything Jaya. But do you think this is the best way to be doing this?"

Jason kept his eyes on the two security guards. He responded to Sam but at a volume that made it clear that he wanted everyone to hear him.

"At this point my personality should be pretty well known. I don't like to start shit but you best believe that I always finish it.

I don't care who it is, even if they're adults and connected to UCLA, if they want to act like clowns I can turn this shit into a circus.

You want to play games we can play. Don't matter if it's on the court or off, I'm always down to throw down."

Sam began to sweat even more after he heard Jason say that 'No! Don't be like this Jaya! You might get us kicked out before we even lace up!'

As the tension began to rise with both sides silently staring at each other the sound of clapping stole their attention.

"Ahaha looks like we have a small misunderstanding here." Jason watched as another women walked out of the building.

She was tall for a women as she looked to be around 5'11 (1.8m) with a dark skin tone similar to Udonis'.

She was dressed in a grey suit and her tightly curled 4c hair was parted at the side. She didn't look a day over thirty as she smiled while walking toward Jason.

Her sparkling smile looked genuine as she reached her hand out "Nice to finally meet you Mr. Yang.  A little late considering all the.... work that you've caused me the past year or so."

Jason simply nodded his head before reaching out to shake her hand "Nice to meet you but unfortunately I don't know your name.

But guessing by what you've said I'll take a wild guess and say that you're from the committee?" The women continued to smile.

"Yes, my name is Crystal Johnson and I am a chairmen for the committee. I see that the rumors are more than just that. You are one sharp mind Mr. Yang." Jason shrugged his shoulders.

"I guess so. But the problem with being sharp is that some people will want to test just how sharp you are, just like a knife."

The women chuckled as she stared Jason straight in the eyes "I am sure that you're right. After all I have some personal experience with people wanting to test just how sharp I am."

Although she was smiling and staring him right in the eyes Jason couldn't get a clear read of her 'Just what does she want?'

She chuckled as she took a look around "Now, if you would be so kind as to spare a moment Mr. Yang. I have a guest that would really like a chance to speak with you."