Falling for the Scandal

The Analyst

CHAPTER 3

IRIS

“Did I violate a rule by beings in the basketball court yesterday? In the handbook, there was nothing about that being prohibited. I just wanted some quiet time being the new girl six weeks after the start of the second semester isn’t helpful.” I ask because I don’t want any issues. Mr. Calvin scolded me enough because of yesterday’s event. Words got to the principal, and she turned to speak to Mr. Calvin.

“I saw you with Gideon yesterday. He said you used physics to calculate before throwing the ball in” Coach Harry questions," and at the mention of Gideon, a hiss escapes my mouth.

“How is that possible? Are you sure you have never played basketball before?” He furrows with a white eyebrow.

“I haven’t played before. He kept on missing, and it was irritating me. How can it be so obvious, but you turn a blind eye? Am I in trouble for that?” I sit out of the chair.

“Not at all. It is just that after your little lesson, instead of the ball falling straight out of the rim, it rolled around the basket before falling off. That is progress, and I have tried everything to make sure he gets that. Maybe with more calculation, he can get it right.” He rests on his elbow his table. My eyes meet the small frame of his family on his table.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I know your major is biomedical engineering. I had your entry exam record, and you are good, but I want to know if you are good enough to figure out what the problem is and how to tackle it.”

“That is a big role, sir. I have a lot on my plate as it is”

“This could help you. Imagine using data to figure out the Vandermoore basketball players' weaknesses and find a way to correct it. This will open more doors than you expect. You will be creating your portfolio now rather than later.” He makes great points, and I sigh.

“Portfolio? With all due respect sir, the amount has people I have worked with is enough to build a portfolio instead of playing catch and fetch with that annoying Gideon” I reply and he furrows his eyebrow wondering were all the anger for Gideon is coming from.

“Can you just check them out and get back to me? If I can just know what is up with the others. Please go through it thoroughly and update me. This will not just be helping him but our school. We need his teammates at the upcoming games if we want to stand a chance to reach the final and beat Bay Area team. Please take your time” he pleads, and I nod. I can gloat to his face. So it is a win – win situation.

“Okay sir”

~**~

I check the footage of their last game and their recent practice against each other in the school library. They are slacking more now. It seems to be a mental strain. It isn’t just Gideon. It is the entire team. Could it be stress? They should be used to it by now.

I minimize my screen and google the name Gideon Cobbett. His achievement in his dad’s company pops up. His brand deals with perfumes, bottle water, water containers, etc.

He has it all. So, what could be making him miss his three-pointer? He is the typical heart of Atherton. It can’t be studies because I know he is quite intelligent business wise. Could it be the workload at his father’s company? Could it be the pressure to be perfect?

Could this be why he is missing the three pointers? What could have him stressed? I know he is more than an uprising star. He comes from the line of legendary basketballer. He is built for this. If he gets his act together, so will the others. His anxiety is rubbing off on the others. The fear that if their captain and star player is not used in a clear head, they will fail. Having the mindset of a failure before any game isn’t good.

I jot down every key point I have observed.

~**~

I watch from a distance as the boys play. I track every pass, cut, shot, and defense rotation. Then, the patterns become too obvious. The team has good formation and sustainability, but Gideon is being too predictable, with the same setup, same release point. Fatigue and stress are already making tiny inconsistencies worse. Luca is over- indexing on Gideon. He adjusts when Gideon moves instead of reading the floor. August is settling for mid-range shots instead of attacking the openings. His efficiency drops every time he does. John has acquired two unnecessary fouls already. Worse, he keeps drifting out of position when the play breaks down. Lastly is Evans. He is dominant on the rim but absolutely useless at the free throw line. My data is absolutely correct.

The games end with Zirke and his team winning. The coach taps me to come down. They stretch their hands out so the tip of their hands can touch. They pull away and do a little dance before jumping on each other. I and Coach Harry stand inches from them. Zirke notices me first before the others turn to see what has him hooked.

“Boys” Coach says in an authoritative voice, and they all turn to stare at us. They all form a long line.

“Don’t celebrate yet. I want to introduce you to a new member of the team. Her name is Iris Mercer. She is a sports analyst. She had some notes which she would love to give.” Coach takes a step back, giving me the opportunity to speak.

“I don’t know about being a part of the team” I say audibly, and the boys keep a straight face.

“Oh okay. Gideon, your shots are getting predictable, and when stressed or worried, it shows during the game. Quite playing it safe. Luca, I understand you are close with Gideon, but it is affecting the games. You are blocking out other players and focusing on just Gideon. John, you are a little aggressive. You can keep getting fouled because you five players are better than any replacement. You fall for the rival’s head fake easily. Most times, the fouls are caused by the rivals because they know you are an easy bait. Evans, you freeze at the free throw line, which could be beneficial if you don’t freeze often. August, you have a bad habit of stopping halfway into the basket to take difficult, low percentage jump shots instead of driving all the way in for a lay-up or passing out. If we can work on this, Bay Area will have nothing against you” I explain, and they are all silent.

“Are we really believing her?” John points at me.

Gideon takes a step forward and halts, “Yeah, I agree with John. What she did last time was guesswork?”

“I understand. I don’t know so much about basketball, but you don’t know as much as you think you do or you won’t be terrible at your three-pointers.” I give a fake smile before putting on a frown.

“Says the person whose analysis hasn’t been so reliable” Gideon replies insultively.

“But you got a bit better a few days ago. I know you are a horrible student and won’t take to correction, but one can only hope. Anyway, I won’t be your analyst. I am coaching a much attentive athlete” I shoot back.

“Who could be better than me?” Gideon frowns.

“Milo Miller” my eyes glue to Gideon as his veins pop out.

Everyone stares at me like I made a big mistake mentioning that name, like an abomination is said. I know how deep the hatred between both athletes runs. Milo is from the bloodline of legendary basketballers, and Gideon is not. He has to constantly prove himself over an over again while Milo is the better talent because basketball runs in his veins. Or at least that is what the press says to worsen the grievance with both boys.

“Excuse me” I walk away, allowing his anger to simmer.