Unguardable: High School Drama, #1

By Prince Reece

Lendell is a young man facing his hardest challenge yet, entering High School.
Reminded constantly that he lives under the weight of his family's basketball accomplishments, he sets out to be the first freshman to make it on the Varsity team at Washington High.
Will he overcome his obstacles or will it break his will?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhouse Press
• Release date: Dec 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393819004

Book preview

Introduction

LJ, pass the rock! Dejuan yelled, breaking free from his defender.

LJ faked right and threw the ball down the court; his teammate caught the ball in mid-air, juked left, sprinted towards the hoop, jumped in the air, and dunked the ball aggressively in the basket.

That’s game! LJ announced as he walked over to his defender.

Yeah, whatever shorty. That was a lucky game, his defender said and gave him the six hundred dollars they had a bet.

Nice doing business with cha!

Their opponents left the court, arguing over what they could’ve done better.

Aye Dee, here’s your cut of the money, LJ said, handing over three hundred dollars.

Good game, cuddy; they weren’t ready for some real hoopers.

We tried to warn them; we’ve got championships to our names.

I’m the one with the real championships. You’ve only won those little league games. I have high school titles, state records, and ranked top five in the nation.

Shut up. You’re always bragging. This year, I’ma show you. I’m going to be the first freshman at Washington High to start on the varsity team.

Yeah, right. Your pops didn’t even do that, and was like Michael Jordan back in high school, Dejuan said, practicing his jump shot.

Watch. I’ma break my dad and our grandpa’s records — all in my freshman year. I’m also gonna break your state single-season scoring record, he countered, taking a shot from mid-court.

Now, I know you hit your head. Those stuck-up ass coaches at Washington ain’t gonna show you any love. You’ll be outscoring everyone but on jayvee. That’s what the coaches did to me until I transferred to West Carter, Dejuan said catching the rebound.

Naw, you’re wrong, Dee. Coach Samuels knows talent; he’s the same one who recruited my dad and helped him get into the league. Washington is family; I don’t know why you transferred out. Our whole family went there.

One thing you’ll find out about that school is, it’s all about politics. If you’re not with the ‘in the crowd,’ you’ll be food for the sharks.

Dejuan, what are you talking about? You’re the most popular guy I know. All the females want you, and most dudes respect you.

Listen, cuddy… That doesn’t matter. Just remember what I said when you start school. It’s different than when Gramps and our dads went there. Everyone is tied to or related to the Washingtons.

Get outta here, man; you talk like they’re the mafia or something, LJ said, dribbling the ball.

A’ight, don’t believe me then. You’ll find out soon enough. What the fu—

LJ, you better watch your mouth! a voice interrupted as it boomed from behind.

Both were startled as they turned to see their fathers, Lendell Sr. and Darrel, standing on the side of the court changing into their basketball gear.

My fault, Pops; didn’t see you, LJ said, trying to hold his laughter.

My fault, my butt boy. Pass the rock; you don’t know what to do with it! he retorted.

Oh? We just hustled six hundred dollars from some wannabe ballers, Unk, Dejuan countered.

Boy, what does that mean to us? We’re not those wannabe ballers, and we heard you say you’re the only one with a championship. Boy, please. That high school stuff doesn’t mean anything. Your uncle and I got those, college titles and went to the NBA, Darrel interjected.

Dad, if you think your game is anywhere near what it used to be, we can put some money on it. Say…six hundred dollars, Dejuan challenged.

Dee, what the fu… LJ’s voice trailed off as he looked over to his father before finishing his sentence. Fuh…reeeaak are you doing?

Don’t get cute, boy, Lendell Sr. threatened.

LJ, we can take these old bastards. They taught us the game, and we took it to another level. They can’t keep up with us in their old age, Dejuan said, seeing dollar signs.

I don’t know, Dee; it’s been twenty-five years since they played in high school and no one has even touched most of their records, LJ countered.

Awwww…Rell! LJ and Dejuan’s gonna punk out, Lendell Sr. smirked.

The younger men looked at each other; it was on now. They’d have to teach these old men a lesson in respect.

We get the ball! Darrel announced.

Cool, we just gonna take it. Dejuan said.

A’ight we’ll see. Check-up.

Dejuan checked the ball with his dad, and as soon as the ball touched the older man’s hands, he passed it to his awaiting teammate.

Let’s see what kinda defense you got now, son.

Focusing on basketball, the younger man didn’t respond. Lendell pumped fake like he was going to shoot the ball. When his opponent jumped to block the shot, he passed it to Darrel, who caught it mid-air and slammed it in.

What’s wrong, son? Can’t D-up an old man? Darrel inquired sarcastically.

Checking up again, Dejuan put his championship-game-Defense on him. As hard as he tried, Darrel couldn’t get past the young man’s guard; he mistakenly passed the ball too early, and LJ intercepted it.

Seizing an opportunity to score points, LJ crossed his dad over, shot a two-pointer, and made it. The cousins had changed the momentum in their favor.

After the check-up, LJ immediately passed it to Dejuan who was shorter but could jump higher than his defender. However, Darrel intercepted the pass, drove the ball to the basket and scored on a layup.

The game became a back and forth competition. When one side led, the other would rally back and tie it again.

This was the final check-up; the score was twenty up, and each side needed a jump shot to win the six hundred dollars.

Gotta win by two, Pops. Y’all know the rules of the court, LJ said, breathing as hard as his father.

He had to give it to the old timers; they still had moves and a mean jump shot. He hoped they would not lose their hard-earned money, trying to prove they were better than some of the best ballplayers that the area had produced.

Don’t worry, son. They made those rules because of us.

The ball was checked; Lendell faked to his right and awkwardly changed direction on his previously injured left leg, surprising his son with the unexpected move. LJ was unable to recover on defense. Dejuan stepped forward to block the shot, but the ball was passed to Darrel, who Dejuan had left open, and he made an easy layup.

One more point! Darrel yelled in his son’s ear.

Dang Dad, you don’t gotta yell.

Shut up and check the ball, boy, Lendell said, slapping his brother a high five.

Dejuan looked over to LJ who had been guarding his uncle. He knew it was a mismatch that they would try to capitalize on because Darrel still had his speed and was the tallest of the four.

LJ was the shortest by at least a foot, and although he had some excellent skills, he did not have enough to stop the former NBA star.

Dejuan checked the ball and back-pedaled toward Darrel. Seeing what his cousin was doing, LJ stepped forward to guard his dad; the young basketball players coordinated the move correctly. It looked like a graceful dance the two were performing.

Lendell faked the pass to his brother, crossed his son over, and shot the ball. Both Darrel and Dejuan followed the ball with their eyes until it went into the basket.

Oh my god! We beat them, Darrel! We finally achieved our goal in life, Lendell declared as he dropped to his knees and pretended to cry.

It’s been a hard road, Patrick, but we came in focusing on the win, and we got it! Darrel said as he pretended to respond to a post-game interview.

LJ and Dejuan could only look on as their fathers mocked them.

Let’s run that back; y’all can’t beat us again, LJ said.

Boy, you’re broke; what you betting? Your shoes and shorts? Darrel retorted.

You got jokes, Uncle, but naw; we got another six hundred on the game. Double or nothing.

LJ, what are you doing, Dejuan whispered. I don’t have any more money.

Don’t worry Dee; I got this, LJ replied confidently.

If y’all are done whispering sweet nothings to each other, then we can decide if we’re going to make another business transaction, Lendell said.

Double or nothing, Dejuan said. You better be right about this or we’re going to be working for them the rest of the summer without getting paid.

LJ did not respond. He retrieved the ball and stood awaiting his opponents return from getting refreshments.

Let’s see if you got anything in the tank, Pops! LJ said, checking the ball.

You’ll be surprised what this old man can do! Lendell said, getting into his defensive stance after he checked it.

Pass the rock, LJ! Darrel yelled, trying to distract him into making a mistake.

A’ight, LJ said. He faked the pass to Darrel and shot the ball instead.

Swoooooosh!

Get used to that sound, LJ said as the ball went in the hoop.

First Day.

"Hello, class, and welcome to your first day of high school. I know you must be equally excited and afraid of the drastic change experienced when leaving junior high to go to senior high school.

"You know, everyone can tell the difference between a freshman and someone who transferred from a different school. The freshmen, or fresh-women for you gals in here, have lost stares in your eyes, like little rabbits trapped in a den with wolves outside of it.

Don’t you worry; by the end of the day, you’ll be used to the school, and all the hype of being here will go away and be replaced by the disappointment of having homework on the first day of school, the teacher announced to the class’ dismay.

Why do we have homework on the first day? We barely even know your name, a student remarked.

Chris Atkins, right? the instructor asked, looking at his roster. "If you’d been paying attention, rather than whispering in Ms. Jackson’s ear, you would know my name is Mr. Docket.

And if you can’t remember that, just read the board."

The class ignited with laughter; Chris’ first attempt at challenging the teacher had backfired.

What are you laughing at, punk? Chris asked as he stared at Lendell.

Lendell looked behind him, under his arm and to his right, looking for who Chris was talking to.

Yeah, I’m talking to you! Chris declared, getting up from his seat.

I think you’re mistaking me for somebody else, so you can sit down before you get clowned again, Lendell warned.

Now now, boys. We don’t want to start the school year with a suspension, do we? Mr. Docket asked as he walked over to his desk and sat down.

You’re not going to get between us?

No, Chris. I will just inform security and wait until they arrive. This isn’t junior high; you’re all old enough to handle your problems like adults.

Wow… This clown was hoping after he talked mess, the teacher would save him, a kid in the back of the room called out.

The class erupted with laughter again; Mr. Docket had made Chris look like a fool twice in a matter of minutes. Not wanting to try his luck again, he took his seat with a face flushed from embarrassment.

Like I was stating before I was rudely interrupted… the instructor began.

Lendell tuned the teacher out and mused over what had just taken place as Mr. Docket continued lecturing about their homework. He made sure to tune back in and take mental notes on key points.

The school was not an hour in yet, and he had already been challenged. Though he would not have fought, it was a challenge nonetheless.

I hope this fool is not going to be a problem the whole school year, Lendell thought to himself.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the first period. Lendell pulled himself out of his thoughts, copied the assignment that was written on the board into his notebook, and rushed out of the classroom.

He did not want to be late for the second period, which was Physical Education. He knew he had to make a great first impression, mainly since one of the varsity basketball coaches taught the class.

He made it into the gym early enough to gaze around and marvel at the championship banners that hung from the ceiling. There were seven in total, and each one of the championship teams had a member from the Watson family in it.

The first one was in 1954 when his grandfather had played; the remaining banners were from 1980 through 1985 when his father and uncle took the Jaguars to six straight championships. The bell rung, signaling the start of class.

Watson! the teacher called.

I’m here! Lendell said as he ran over to where his class was.

I didn’t know we had class over there; you know something that I don’t?

No, Mr. Rogers, he said, wondering why everyone was snickering.

It’s Rogeretes, not Mr. Rogers. Do I look like I sing? Does it look like a beautiful day in the neighborhood?

Well, actually it is beautiful—

Boy, you must be some kind of stupid to answer a rhetorical question. Sit down and stop interrupting my class. The next time you’re late, I’m going to give you detention, Mr. Rogeretes cut him off and said.

I wasn’t— Lendell tried to explain.

Didn’t I tell you to stop interrupting my classroom?

He did not dare answer this time; he took his seat in the third row. The sound of the gym doors opening caught everyone’s attention. Lendell gazed over toward the gym doors and saw that Chris, who was now five minutes late, had just entered the gym.

Finally, someone else can catch his wrath, Lendell thought to himself.

Sorry, I’m late, Mr. Rogeretes. I got lost in the hallways.

What’s your name, son?

Chris Atkins, sir.

No way in hell he’s gonna get away with that, Lendell thought as he smiled inwardly.

Oh, there you are Chris. I heard you were a great basketball player.

Lendell’s mouth hung ajar; there was no way the teacher could have believed Chris’ story, especially after Mr. Rogeretes had told Lendell, who had not been