The final buzzer sounded and the entire gym exploded.
Ryan Matthews threw his arms up as the crowd roared. 89–87. They had done it. He had done it. With only six seconds left, he had driven through two defenders and hit that impossible floating jumper to win the game. His teammates rushed him, screaming and slapping his back.
“f**k yeah, Ryan! You’re a goddamn beast!” Marcus shouted, pulling him into a sweaty hug.
Ryan laughed loudly, adrenaline still pumping through his veins. “Told you boys we weren’t losing tonight!”
In the locker room, the celebration continued. Music blasted from someone’s speaker while the team joked and replayed the final moments. Ryan peeled off his soaked jersey, his muscular chest glistening with sweat. At 24, he was in peak condition with broad shoulders, ri
