It was the night of the big game. I met with Tyler to see how he was holding up. He had sweat pouring off of him and they hadn't even started to warm up yet.

"Dude, you okay?"

Tyler swiped the sweat from his brow. "I thought I was ready for this, Finn. But I'm not. I'm so scared I'm going to screw this up for everyone."

"You won't."

"How do you know?"

"Because you are Tyler Stevens, and in all the years that I've known you, you've always come through. You've never let me down and you won't let them down either."

Tyler looked at me like he desperately wanted to believe what I said was true but I could see he still had his doubts. I put my hands on his shoulders. "You got this, brother and I'll be right out there rooting for you every step of the way."

Brynn came running over on the court. "Tyler! Whoa. You okay?"

Tyler threw his hand up in frustration. "If I'm that obvious, that even she can see it. I'm doomed." Tyler turned and walked away towards the locker rooms, needing to get ready for the game.

"Did I say something wrong?" Brynn asked concerned.

"No, he's just got some pre-game jitters which is so not like him but he doesn't normally have to lead the team."

"Oh. You think he'll be okay?"

I put my arm around her. "Yeah, he'll be fine." Although I said this I wasn't sure who I needed to convince more Brynn or myself.

Brynn set up across court on Central's side to get pictures of the team for the yearbook. I tried not to think of how next week she'd be going into surgery. I take my seat on the bleachers right behind where the team will sit, wanting to keep close.

Both teams took a few minutes to warm up. Lenape was looking good out there, and Tyler appeared slightly more confident when they returned to the bench before the tip-off for which I was grateful. My dad and mom soon joined me.

"It is so weird being here and not seeing you out there," my dad tells me as he takes his seat.

"I know Dad but it's for the best."

He smiled at me and patted my back, "I know, besides Tyler's got this."

"Yeah, he does." I agreed with complete confidence in my best friend.

But from the first tip-off, it was an utter disaster. Central was massacring us out there. A free throw bounced off the rim, Tyler nabbed the ball and passed it to midcourt, where Mike was waiting. He gets the ball and is immediately encircled by two Central players. They manhandle him, jostling him around, and he's trapped.

Mike freaks totally unnerved he offloads the ball but there is no one there to accept the pass. The ball bounces out of bounds and into the bleachers, causing yet another turnover.

The home crowd's groan echoed with disappointment throughout the gymnasium. Time was running out. The buzzer sounded. Tyler looked torn down, the clock was reset for half time and the team retired to the locker room. I knew Tyler only had a mere 15 minutes to pull this team together.

I excuse myself and shuffle my way past everyone to get to the locker room. I enter to see Tyler slam his fist into a locker. "Really Mike?! What the hell were you thinking? There was no one there!"

"I panicked," Mike said but hung his head in shame. The whole team looked deflated and defeated, wanting this hellish nightmare of a game to be over.

"Tyler!" I call out and walk over to him before pulling him aside.

"Look, I know how you feel but now is not the time to assign blame. They need you, Bro. They can't do this without you."

"Don't you mean they can't do this with me? We've never played this poorly, EVER during the entire season. The only change is I'm in charge. I can't be you. I'm no good at being you, at inspiring people. What the hell was I thinking?"

"You were thinking you're going to lead this team to victory and you are. As soon as you stop trying to be like me and you start acting like you."

"Come again?" Tyler's expression as almost comical, it must be what I look like when Brynn hits me with one of her philosophies about life, and I feel like she started talking in a different language.

"Forget what I would do. This is your last game of Senior Year. How do you want to be remembered? How to want to go out? With your head hung low, a bunch of losers, or are you going to go out swinging? Give them hell, run them down."

"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

"Yes, you need to Tylerize the shit out of this game."

Tyler's knowing grin slowly spread across his lips. "Uptempo this game?"

"Yes!" I feel my own grin spreading.

"Press and run."

Now he's getting it! Tyler smacked his hands together and rubbed them in excitement. Suddenly he had a whole new vibe.

"Listen up, Ladies! They are wiping the floor with us out there," Tyler began pointing towards the door as he walked back to his team.

Terrance piped in with, "Is this supposed to make us feel better?"

"No, but what I'm going to suggest should. I've been playing ball since I wasn't even tall enough to possibly reach the basket. Still, I went out there every day, taking any chance that I can to play, until I was good enough to play on a team. This team. And if this is our last game I'm not going out like some scrub. I've worked too hard and so have all of you."

Tyler started pacing among them his energy, was causing them to sit up a little straighter. He took command and he was playing to a totally captivated crowd.

"I say we shake things up. Give them a totally different game. Press and run, make or miss. We get our hands on the ball we shoot to score, and don't let up."

"We are already worn out!" Koby complained. "For what end?"

"We aren't the team. We are a part of the team?" Tyler reminded him and I couldn't be prouder of him then I was at that moment.

"We sub out, keep the rotation working. Are you not "Sir Pass a Lot?" he asked Koby and Koby smiled. "And you?" he said looking at Terrance, "Are you? Or are you NOT the Dunk Master?" Terrence nodded.

"We got this, guys. We can do this but we got to do it as a team? Whose with me?!"

The hollers resounded. Tyler clapped his hands together in excitement again. "Alright men, then let's get out there, and show Central who we really are! Hands in!"

All the players circled Tyler putting their hands on top of one another, " 1, 2, 3..."

"LENAPE!!!" came the cheer and a whole new team filed out onto the court for the second half.

Tyler held Mike back a moment. "I'm sorry. I was wrong about what I said."

"No, I screwed up. You were right."

"You were swarmed, Dude. Anyone in your shoes would have felt the same, but we don't have time to hesitate now. Can I count you, Brock "The Rock"?"

Mike fist-bumped him. "I got your back. I won't let you down."

Tyler grinned. "Now that's what I wanted to hear."

I scurry out behind the team and quickly scoot my way back into the seat.

"How they doing?" my dad asked with concern.

"As you said, Dad. Tyler's got this. You'll see." I eagerly sit on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next. Knowing this was going to be a night to remember.

It was complete chaos out there. Central didn't know what the hell hit them as Tyler and his team started making 3 pointers at an unprecedented and relentless pace. All strategy was forsaken.

They made a full-court press, swarming any Central player unlucky enough to handle the ball. Turnovers were happening quick and baskets were made even quicker. In no time "Make it Even" Stevens has turned this game around and the home crowd was up on their feet.

Time was running out. Our team kept running, kept subbing, and were shooting the ball from all over the court. Central looked shattered. Totally worn out trying in vain to cover the ball. Their defense was toast.

Tyler gets the ball. He shoots, the buzzer resounds, and the crowd erupts as Tyler made yet another three-point shot and the Lenape Leopards win the game. The scoreboard flipped, over 100 points in favor of Lenape, and Central was halted at 81. Tyler had become the all-time scoring leader.

I rushed out onto the court to give my best friend a celebratory hug. "YOU DID IT!"

"WE DID IT!" Tyler corrected seconds before he was hoisted up and carried away by his teammates.

Brynn came to stand beside me. Her face was flushed with excitement. "That was the most amazing game, EVER!"

I laughed. "This whole crowd is revved up. You get some good shots?"

"I had to start shooting video because I never knew who was going to take the shot, it was complete pandemonium out there. I'll be able to extract the still shots from it. That was COMPLETELY insane!"

"I know right! Wait... are you telling me you got the whole second half on video?"

"Yep! Well... most of it, I was about a quarter of the way in when I gave up trying to get a good shot."

"We got to tell Tyler! He will be so psyched to see what he did in this second half."

"Sure," I took her hand and waved to my parents as I pulled her along with me. In my excitement, I almost forgot the guys were probably changing and nearly pulled her into the locker rooms until she pulled back laughing.

"I can't go in there!"

"Oh, yeah... right! Be right back!" The team hadn't gotten far. They were still celebrating when I entered. I jumped up several times trying to see over the heads in the crowd looking for Tyler and then I spotted him not with the team but with what looked like Coach and a scout.

Oh, Man! I make my way through the crowd, congratulating everyone as I move passed until I finally see Tyler on the other side.

He shook hands with the scout. Coach gave him a hug and patted him on the back before the two men took their leave. Tyler just stood there in a daze for a few seconds before he turned to look at me.

"What happened?" I asked coming up to him.

"They want me to play for Drexel University."

"Wow! That's great!"

Tyler still looks to be in shock. "Full scholarship," he announces.

"HOLY SHIT!" I exclaim running my hands through my hair, just as stunned as he was. "Tyler... you're going to college!"

He nods still in disbelief, "I'm going to college!" he states and as the reality set in he then screams, "I AM GOING TO COLLEGE!" He pumps his fist into the air.

We do our special handshake and I give him another hug, "Wait...?" Tyler pulls away from me. "Isn't Drexel one of the schools you applied to?"

"Yep," I say grinning, I just can't stop.

"Did you get in?"

"Sure did."

"Did you accept?" he asked and it was evident by Tyler's look of anticipation this answer was important to him.

"You want to be roommates?"

"You messing with me?" Tyler asked cautiously.

I shook my head no.

"HELL, YEAH!" he said. "I can't believe this. I gotta tell my Dad!"

Before he could run off, I grab hold of him. "Hey, Brynn got nearly the entire second half on video."

"Really?! Damn. Ask her to make a copy for me will you, in fact, tell her I pay her to burn copies for the entire team."

"You got it. I know you'll be busy so I'll catch you later?"

Tyler nodded and then put his hand on my shoulder. "Thank you."

"Thank me? Oh no. This was all you, my friend."

Tyler shook his head no. "I gave up long before we got to the championship. Since I took over as Team Captain you've been in my corner rooting for me non-stop. I couldn't have gotten this far without. I love you, Bro."

"Stop you'll going to get me all emotional," I said punching his shoulder. "I only told you what you should have already known. You're a damn good ballplayer and the best friend, I could ever ask for. I knew you had this, never doubted you for a second."

"Well, thanks. Tell your girl I'll be by to pick up those copies when she's ready."

"You got it."

I meet Bryn outside of the locker room. She was flipping through her shots on her camera, leaning against the wall. I walk up to her and her eyes widen as I grab hold of her, pick her up, and kiss her. I'm so happy right now I just wanted to share this feeling with the one person who usually is responsible for me being this happy.

As I lower her feet back to the ground she smiles up at me. "Good news?"

"The best! I'll fill you in over a milkshake." I take her hand to lead her away and she pulls me back. Her hands wrap around my neck pulling me down to her as she decides she wants one more kiss before we join the others and I happily oblige.

"Hey, get a room you two," Terrance teases as he elbows Kolby who's standing next to him. Brynn flushes and sadly pulls away. She toys with her necklace. "Good game you, two."

"Thanks, Brynn! You make us look good out there?" Kolby asked spying her camera.

"You know it!" she responded.

"Still can't believe that turnaround," Terrance admits. "What a way to end our Senior Year playing ball. It's a shame you weren't out there with us," he said to me but I just smiled.

"What do you mean? I was out there with you the entire time."

"You know what I mean," Terrance said, "I meant on the court."

"On or off the court you guys know where my heart lies."

Kolby laughed, "Yeah with that cute chick standing right there beside you."

Terrance and I chuckle. "Good one, Kolby." Terrance gives Kolby a high five. "See you both, later. We got some celebrating to do."

"Yeah, later," I said as they walked off.

Brynn puts her arm around my waist and I put my arm around her shoulder. "You sure, you're okay about not being a part of that game? It had to feel a little strange being the odd man out."

I press my lips together, shrug shaking my head. "Honestly, no. I've always felt a part of the team even if I couldn't play. Their win is my win. I couldn't be happier."

"You sure about that?" Brynn taunts pulling me closer, and she got that look that curls my toes.

"Well... I"

"Oh, Come on you two," Tyler protests acting as if he's adverting his eyes and I laugh. "This is a public place, People, and you are standing outside of the guy's locker room of heaven's sake."

I pull Brynn in close and kiss her anyway.

"You just had to go there didn't you?" Tyler complains.

"I did," I say grinning. I look down at Brynn who is smiling up at me. "I really did."

"Come on you two, let's all go celebrate together. Bring your camera, Brynn. Maybe we can hook it up to my TV at home and replay that second half."

"Sounds perfect," Bryn said, taking my hand and following Tyler, back out onto the court where my parents, his parents, and Sierra were waiting.

Tyler's dad hugs him the moment he was within reach. His mom joins in making it a group hug but I notice Sierra hangs back a little.

"We are so proud of you son!" They let go and Tyler looks around and spots Sierra.

"Come here, Girl. Have I got news for you."

"What?" Sierra asks but I can see she looks really nervous and most likely it's because her ex-boss is standing less than a few feet away.

But Tyler takes her hand and pulls her close. "Mom, Dad... there was a scout at today's game. They said they've had their eye on me all season but this game clinched it for them. They offered me a full scholarship to attend University next fall."

"University?!" his parents exclaim in unison.

Tyler looks at Sierra. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I couldn't have gotten here without you. The reason they were hesitant was that my GPA was so low. They feared I would flunk out before I even had the chance to play." Tyler took her hands in his. "You did that. You changed...everything for me."

One tear escaped and Tyler swiped it away before giving Sierra a chaste kiss on the lips. "You helped me become a better student, a better ballplayer, a better man, Sierra." He pulls something from his pocket and I watch stunned as he gets down on one knee.

By everyone's expression, including Sierra's I can see I'm not the only one as he flips open the box and there is an engagement ring inside.

"Sierra, I'm so grateful to have you in my life, and I never want to without you from this day forward. I promised myself when I made it to college I would ask because I felt then I'd be worthy of you. I wasn't expecting that day to be today, but ... well... I always knew who I was, but you, Sierra showed me who I could be. I love you... please, say yes."

The tears were freely flowing down Sierra's cheeks now. And she nodded her head yes before the words passed her lips. "Yes!.... YES!" she said again a little more forcefully as the first time the words came out barely a whisper and held out her hand so Tyler could slip the ring on her finger.

He stood up and this time he gave her a not so chaste kiss until I coughed bringing him back to the reality that we were all still standing there.

"Sorry, guys!" Tyler smiled sheepishly.

Tyler's parents came up to congratulate the couple, Brynn and my Dad too. Brynn offered to take a picture of the newly engaged couple and Tyler and Sierra took a moment to pose.

As I took a step forward to take my turn to congratulate, a death grip clamped down on my wrist. I look down at my mom, who is smiling but not really smiling if you know what I mean.

Through her teeth she says, "You and I are going to have a nice long chat when we get home. Understood?"

My mom is a tiny little thing in comparison to me. I'm now a grown adult but when she gives me that look... that "Mom Look" I still shrink from it. "Uh...ye...yeah. Definitely," I tell her.

"Good." She lets me go and joins my Dad, in congratulating the newly engaged couple, and Sierra looks immediately relieved. Brynn looks back at me because I still haven't moved.

She walks away from the crowd. "You okay? You look frazzled?"

"No. No... I'm good. Just ... surprised is all," I replied taking her hand and walking over to congratulate Tyler and Sierra on getting engaged. But I couldn't stop thinking... I'm dead... I am so dead.