Beyond the Final Score

A Different Kind Of Trust

Thursday's practice felt lighter than the ones before it.

The team was tired, but there was a confidence in the way they moved around the court. They were beginning to understand what Coach Daniels wanted from them, and Marian could see the difference.

She noticed it most when she played with Emerald.

They didn't have to call out every move anymore. Sometimes a glance was enough.

Coach Daniels noticed too.

During a passing drill, she stopped beside them.

"Better," she said. "You're starting to anticipate each other."

Emerald smiled. "We're getting used to it."

Marian glanced at her.

"Don't sound too proud."

"I am proud."

Marian laughed and moved back into position.

The next drill required the players to work in pairs. Coach Daniels told them to complete a series of passes while moving down the court, then finish with a shot.

Marian and Emerald ended up together.

They started at one end of the court.

Pass.

Move.

Pass again.

When Marian made her final pass, Emerald caught it without breaking stride and scored.

"That was clean," Tessa said.

Emerald turned toward Marian.

"We're getting good at this."

Marian smiled.

"Don't let it go to your head."

"Too late."

Coach Daniels blew her whistle.

"Again."

They repeated the drill several times, getting faster each time.

Then Coach Daniels changed the exercise.

"This time, one of you will make the final decision. The other has to trust it and react."

Marian frowned slightly.

"What if the decision is bad?"

Coach Daniels looked at her.

"Then you learn from it. Basketball isn't about knowing everything before it happens."

Marian nodded.

They started again.

This time, Marian had the ball.

Emerald moved toward the basket, but a defender stepped into her path. Marian could have passed to her anyway, but instead she noticed Tessa moving into an open space.

She passed to Tessa.

Tessa scored.

Coach Daniels nodded.

"Good decision."

Marian smiled.

A few minutes later, Emerald had the ball.

Marian expected her to pass, but Emerald drove toward the basket instead. Marian adjusted and moved out of her way, giving her room.

Emerald scored.

When she turned around, Marian was already smiling.

"Nice."

Emerald raised an eyebrow.

"Was that a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it."

Emerald laughed.

By the end of practice, everyone was exhausted.

As the team gathered their things, Coach Daniels reminded them that the next week would be even more demanding.

"The tournament is getting closer," she said. "You won't always feel ready. That's when discipline matters most."

Marian listened carefully.

After everyone started leaving, Emerald walked beside her toward the locker room.

"Are you excited?"

"For the tournament?"

"Yeah."

Marian thought about it.

"I think I am."

"You don't sound sure."

"I've spent so long worrying about winning that I forgot what it feels like to actually look forward to playing."

Emerald nodded.

"I know what you mean."

Marian looked at her.

"You do?"

"Yeah. I didn't transfer here just to sit on the bench."

Marian laughed.

"You definitely made that clear."

They reached the locker room entrance.

Emerald stopped.

"See you tomorrow?"

Marian nodded.

"Tomorrow."

Emerald walked inside.

Marian stood there for another moment before following.

She had once thought Emerald was the biggest problem she'd have to deal with this season.

Now, strangely enough, Emerald was becoming one of the people she trusted most.

And Marian wasn't sure when that had happened.