The first point of the state tournament lasted exactly four seconds, and Leo knew immediately that this match would be a bloodbath.
Westbrook served first. Mateo's jump float drifted over the net, dipping at the last moment. The opposing team's libero passed it clean—too clean. Their setter ran a quick middle, and the ball hit the floor before Westbrook's block could move.
1–0, Northside.
Leo stood at the edge of the court, his arms crossed, his knee throbbing. Northside was the team from the north—the one that had upset the second seed. Their outside hitter was a six-five lefty named Colton Vance. He had a shaved head, a mouthguard he chewed like gum, and a reputation for playing dirty.
Vance walked past the Westbrook bench after the point. He looked at Javier and smiled. “You're the
