Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Chapter 147 - Grit: Part-2

Jason went back out to the floor with the rest of the guys as the fourth quarter was set to start. Once again it looked like he would play the entire game.

Jefferson's lineup consisted of Jason at Point Guard, DJ at Shooting Guard, Matt at Small Forward, Udonis at Power Forward, and Vince at Center.

As the guys were waiting for Mt. Shashta's Point Guard to bring the ball up Udonis yelled out "We in the lead guys. Just keep it up for one more quarter."

Jason did his best to guard his man and direct the guys at the same time but they weren't able to stop the opposing team's offense this possession.

Udonis was a step slow on the switch after a pick and roll play involving Mt. Shashta's Shooting Guard and Power Forward.

The Shooting Guard ended up with a clear lane to the basket as he began his attack. Seeing the Shooting Guard driving to the paint Vince moved up in order to try and contain him.

But the Shooting Guard saw this and simply threw a bounce pass to the Center that was left open by Vince.

The Center caught the pass and quickly put the ball up for the easy layup. Jefferson's lead was now just 5 points as the score was 55 to 50.

Udonis raised his hand up "My bad, my bad y'all." The referee then passed him the ball as he then inbounded it to Jason.

Jason slowly brought the ball up the court as he scanned the floor. He passed half court the same time as Udonis did.

He gave his team a few seconds to get into position before calling for a play. Vince and Udonis went to the left wing to set a double screen for Matt.

Matt started to run in their direction as he tried to force his defender into the screens. Before contact was made Vince slipped the screen and started cutting toward the paint.

The play got the defenders mixed up as they were mostly focused on Matt and Udonis. Two players accidentally bumped into each other as they hurried to close out on Matt.

Jason saw that Vince was open as he was cutting to the paint so he threw a high pass. Vince caught the ball and put it up for the easy layup.

Vince pointed to Jason after making the basket. Jason high fived him as he passed him while they were making their way back on defense.

- - -

Back at the scorers table Tony had a serious expression on his face as he looked out to the court "This has been a real ugly quarter.

You would have expected it out of Jefferson because they are playing on their last legs but what we didn't expect was that they would drag Mt. Shashta into the mud with them."

Cameron nodded his head "Jefferson knew that their offense would take a hit because of fatigue. And although they are making more mistakes on defense they are still keeping the effort up."

Randel smiled as he nodded his head "Jefferson is making up for their mistakes with effort and it's been surprisingly effective.

But this could be a dangerous gamble. All this effort is drainin they energy even faster. Right now they are completely relying on Jason to score their points.

Besides the layup during the start of the quarter all of Jefferson's points have been scored solely by Jason. He came through for them last game.

Now the question is was that a fluke? Or is he the real deal and can he deliver for them again?"

The three of them watched on as Jefferson focused on their defense while leaving their offense to Jason.

Tony looked into the camera "The game is coming down to the wire folks. The score is tied 64 to 64 and Jefferson has the ball.

There a little less than two minutes left. Who do you guys have coming out with the win tonight?" Cameron was the first to answer.

"I have Mt. Shashta coming out victorious tonight. Their players are looking fresh and Jason has missed three straight shots.

All of his misses have been short which is a clear sign that he's lost some lift on his jumper. Not only that, he appears to have lost a step. He looks a half step slower out there."

Randel chuckled before shaking his head "Ima have to disagree with you on this one Cam. I'm puttin all of my chips on Jason.

Great players make the big shots when they matter most. Even if Jason's shooting has been below his standards this quarter I still trust him to step up to the moment more than I trust all of Mt. Shashta's team."

- - -

Jason was breathing heavily as he brought the ball up the court 'Just a little more than a minute left. The score is tied and we need a big shot to move the momentum in our favor.'

As soon as Jason crossed half court he saw a double team coming. But instead of trying to avoid it Jason decided to attack it head on.

Jason attacked the double team by splitting the defenders by throwing the ball ahead of him. He then ran to catch back up with the ball.

After regaining control of the ball Jason began to drive toward the paint. He saw the Center moving up to try and block his shot.

A fire lit up in Jason's eyes. Instead of trying to get the shot over him with a floater it looked like Jason had decided to go toe to toe with the Center.

Jason bent his knees as he jumped off of the floor with everything that he had. The Center saw this and jumped up as well.

But just as the Center was about to reach out for the ball Jason's body began to spin mid air. The Center was caught off guard.

Instead of getting the ball the Center ended up swiping Jason on the arm. Jason heard the referee blowing his whistle and focused on the basket.

Because of the spin Jason had his back facing the basket. But as his body kept spinning the basket eventually showed up in his sight.

'Now!' Jason tossed the ball up with his right hand as he was falling back down to the ground on the left side of the basket.

The spin had disoriented Jason a little so he wasn't completely in control as he landed. He fell to his butt and slid for a bit as he kept his gaze on the basket.

The ball landed softly on the rim and it seemed to just stand still for just a split second before finally tipping over and falling through the net.

Jason looked up before yelling out passionately "Let's go! That's what I'm talking about!" Udonis and Vince ran over to pull Jason up to his feet.

Udonis slapped Jason on the back "Hell of a shot bro! That was a hell of a shot!" Jason smiled and patted them on the back before making his way to the free throw line.

- - - 

Tony excitedly slammed his hand down on the scorers table "Jason just gave Jefferson the lead with an amazing 360 layup! And know he's walking to the free throw line with the chance of making it into a three point lead!

It doesn't get any better than this folks! This is why we watch sports folks. For the chance to see the improbable made possible!"

Jason calmly walked over to the free throw line. After the referee passed him the ball he took one dribble before locking his eyes on the basket.

There was no worry in any of the eyes of the other Jefferson players as they watched Jason easily drain the free throw.

Jefferson then made their way back to the other side of the court as it was now Mt. Shashta's turn on offense.

With their will and grit combined with Jason's on the floor coaching they were able to force the opposing team to reset their offense multiple times.

Not only did they stop them from scoring. With their defense they were able to eat up more time off of the clock.

Just as the opposing team was trying to run another set Jason left his defensive assignment alone as he jumped the passing lane.

With his arm fully extended out he was able to tip the pass away. Jason ran with everything he had as he tried to gain control of the ball.

After running after the ball at full speed Jason was able to scoop it up with his right hand without losing any speed.

He was all alone as he ran the fast break. Jason saw that he had an open lane to the basket and yet what he did next made everyone's hearts jump out of their chests.

Jason stopped the fast break as he pulled up for the three point Shot.

- - -

Tony was slightly red in the face as he yelled out "Jason jumped into the passing lane! He's got the ball and he's pushing the fast break!

What's this!? He's stopped and he's taking a ill advised three pointer!"