Take the Shot

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Ashrill whistle pierced the air, stopping play as the crowd collectively sighed.

“Time out, Toronto. With two minutes left in the game, this one is coming down to the wire. Did you expect it to be this close, Nicole?”

“I’m not surprised. Look at the intensity on both team’s faces, Shealyn. You wouldn’t know this is a preseason game,” Nicole replied.

“We’ll be right back after this break. Get ready for the conclusion of this WNBA battle,” Shealyn said into her headset.

“And we’re out. Ninety seconds,” a voice said in Nicole’s headphones. She reached down to get a water bottle off the floor and took a drink. “This really has been a good game,” Nicole said.

“It has. I guess you’re glad we’re starting the season at home in New York in a few days,” Shealyn said.

“Oh, it’s just beginning,” Nicole replied. “I’m ready for the games, but not the traveling grind.”

Nicole Neal had been a women’s basketball commentator for the last eighteen years.

She started playing basketball as a kid and went to college on a basketball scholarship.

Majoring in communications was a strategic move on her part because she knew it would be difficult to make a professional team after graduation.

At only 5’7”, she was always considered undersized.

Nicole loved the game and wanted to be involved.

After college she played with the Houston Comets of the Women’s National Basketball Association, but she was cut before the first season ended.

That’s when she started her journey into broadcasting.

She made a name for herself with insightful commentary about the players and their skills as well as strategies that were employed during games.

She started in the college ranks and worked her way up until she and Shealyn became the network’s number one team in women’s professional basketball.

Nicole still called some college games and had been the primary color commentator for the NCAA women’s basketball championship tournament for the last ten years.

She and Shealyn were a formidable duo who not only excelled at their work, but were also good friends.

Spending time together in production meetings, preparing for games, coordinating wardrobes, and calling some of the most exciting games in WNBA history led to a friendship that had become more like family.

“Three, two, one,” the voice said in her ear.

“And we’re back,” Shealyn said. “Toronto will bring the ball in just this side of half court.”

“I have been impressed with this Toronto team. Even though they are an expansion team and new in the league this year, these players have gelled and found chemistry in the short time they’ve had in training camp.”

“Have you been surprised with anyone in particular?”

“I’m not surprised, but I love the role Miller is playing on this team. She’s given them a presence inside and can block shots that I don’t think Chicago was expecting,” Nicole said.

“She’s had two blocks in this quarter alone,” Shealyn commented.

The sounds of shoes squeaking on the floor then a roar from the crowd echoed around the arena.

“Miller with another block!” Shealyn exclaimed.

“How about this crowd!” Nicole said over the noise. “Toronto wants to be Canada’s team and they have certainly filled the Coca-Cola Coliseum this afternoon. The excitement in this building has been loud and constant since tip-off.”

“What a move!” Shealyn said. “Miller cuts towards the basket and is fouled. The ball rolls around the rim, goes in, and now Miller steps to the free throw line.”

“She’s six of nine from the line this afternoon,” Nicole said. “That’s an improvement from last season. She’s definitely worked on free throws in the offseason.”

“Miller sinks the free throw and Toronto is down by one,” Shealyn reported.

“Toronto needs a stop if they’re going to have a chance to win this game,” Nicole said. “Their defense has been excellent at times and loose at others which is not unusual for a team with players new to each other and new to the system.”

“Chicago whips the ball around to find an open shot,” Shealyn said. “Sims puts it up and the long rebound goes to Toronto! James races down the court.”

“But here comes Sims,” Nicole said.

“James stops to take the shot at the buzzer! Sims gets a piece of it and the ball falls short. Game over. Chicago holds on for the one-point victory.”

“Wow, what a recovery by Sims,” Nicole said. “She sprinted down the court, trying to disrupt James’ shot, and just got a piece of the ball to knock it off target. Great hustle after missing her own shot.”

“What an exciting ending to a very entertaining game. Takeaways, Nicole?”

“Toronto may have come up a point short but they have so many positive things to take away from this game,” Nicole said.

“Most importantly is how they played together as a team. They were communicating on defense and moving the ball on offense. This team may be a surprise this season, but it’s very early, Shealyn. ”

“I can’t wait to see what they’ll show us later in the season,” Shealyn said. “We will be in New York this Saturday for the opening game of the season. Any expectations?”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ariana Villa,” Nicole said. “She is one of the best point guards in the league, but New York lost some of her go-to players and added a few pieces in their run to regain their title after their back-to-back bid fell short at the end of last season.”

“Do you think she has more weapons this year?”

“I think they’re different weapons. It will be interesting to see how they use their post players and now they have height at the forward position as well. Villa should be able to spread the ball around. We all know what a great passer she is.”

“Yes, she sees the court so well,” Shealyn replied.

“I wanted to ask about their opponents on Saturday, but we’re out of time.

Join us for the pregame where Nicole and I will break down not only New York’s chances but Los Angeles’ as well.

Thank you for joining us today from Toronto.

I’m Shealyn Jackson along with Nicole Neal. ”

“We’re out.” Nicole heard the voice in her headphones and took them off. “Good game, Shea. You haven’t missed a beat.”

Shealyn smiled. “Neither have you. Of course, we know a lot of these players already so that helped.”

As they slipped their laptops into their bags Nicole said, “How’s the move? Are the kids settling in?”

“I think so. They love their new schools but life is different in the suburbs,” Shealyn replied.

“How so?”

“Everything is slower. People aren’t in such a rush to get wherever they’re going,” Shealyn said. “The commute into the city for the game on Saturday will be a bit longer, but that’s okay. It’s still a home game for me, too.”

“Yeah, it’s nice when we get New York’s games.”

“You’re lucky I was busy with this move during our break or I would’ve been up in the middle of your love life.”

Nicole frowned. “What love life?”

“Exactly!” Shealyn exclaimed. “Did you even go on a date?”

Nicole shrugged.

“It’s been years since you’ve had a girlfriend, Nicole, much less gone on a date,” Shealyn said.

“You won the love lottery with DeWayne, Shea,” Nicole said. “I’m not that lucky. But it’s okay. You know my career is my love.”

“Bullshit! You’re at the top of your career; there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun,” Shealyn said. “But you can’t expect someone to just fall into your lap. You have to go out and meet people.”

“I know people,” Nicole huffed. “Most of my friends are players, other sportscasters, or have something to do with basketball.”

“You know we can’t date players and there are other people in the world besides basketball people,” Shealyn said as they put their headphones in their cases.

“I know that, Shea, but that’s where my interest is. Basketball has been my life and I love it.”

“Until someone comes along to change all that.”

Nicole smirked as she shouldered her bag.

“Okay, okay. I’m not giving up. Once we’re settled, you’re coming out to see our new home. The girls miss their Aunt Nicole.”

This made Nicole smile. “I miss those little princesses.”

“Me too,” Shealyn said. “Let’s get to the airport and I might make it home in time to tell them goodnight.”

Nicole followed Shealyn into the hallway that led them to their awaiting car.

She hoped Shealyn would drop the love life talk.

Every few months Shea would try to set Nicole up with a friend of a friend, but most of the time she was able to wrestle her way out of it.

With the time it took to prepare for games and her busy travel schedule calling the games, she didn’t have time for a date much less a girlfriend.

Ariana Villa walked into the kitchen from her bedroom and reached into the refrigerator for a beer. She could hear a basketball game on TV and walked into the living room to find her roommate, Cameron Benson, sprawled on the couch holding the remote.

They had been best friends since they joined the New York Liberty at the same time.

They were entering their eighth season and had made the playoffs all seven years, finally coming away with the championship two years ago.

Their bid to become back-to-back champions had fallen short in the finals last season.

It still stung when Ariana thought about that last loss.

When Ariana heard the commentator’s voice she froze. “Oh, that’s Nicole Neal. I love her voice!” She jumped over the back of the couch and plopped down next to Cameron.

“Gotta little crush going on there?”

Ariana scoffed. “No, but just listen to her. She has such insight and her voice is so smooth. I swear she could be giving directions and it would sound sexy—wait, I wonder if I could get her voice on my Maps app?”

Cameron laughed. “No, you don’t have a crush.”

As they watched the game end Ariana said, “Wow, Toronto kept that close. Nicole’s right. We need to remember Miller on the inside. She’s a blocking machine.”

“Listen,” Cameron said, turning up the volume. “She’s talking about us.”

They both focused on the TV as Nicole spoke.

“Did you hear that?” Cameron said. “She said you’re one of the best point guards in the league. She’s not wrong.”

Ariana smiled as Nicole continued to give her preview of their opening game.

“So, you have all these weapons and Nicole Neal will be there watching and commentating,” Cameron said. “Thank goodness you won’t be able to hear her during the game.”

“What?” Ariana furrowed her brow. “Why?”

“You’d be listening to her and not doing your job!”

Ariana smirked. “You know exactly where my focus will be.”

“You never know, maybe she has a crush on you. Did you hear what she said?”

“Yes, Cam,” Ariana replied. “I heard her. Come on, don’t you think she’s good?”

Cameron smiled. “I’m just messing with you. Yes, Nicole Neal and Shealyn Jackson are the best in the business. I hope they do lots of our games this season.”

“I know we’ve seen LA’s preseason games, but I wish we knew what Nicole Neal was thinking,” Ariana said. “She knows basketball.”

“Duh, you do, too,” Cameron said. “Do you really think she could tell you anything that we don’t already know?”

Ariana shrugged. “The more we know, the better we’ll be able to shut them down.”

Cameron nodded. “You’ve got this. You always do.”

“Thanks, bud. I don’t need a confidence boost, but it’s nice to hear that my teammates have faith in me.”

“Girl, you know we do,” Cameron said.

“Okay, what are we watching?”

“Mmm, I don’t know,” Cameron murmured. “Murder and mayhem? Or do we want to laugh?”

“You choose.” Ariana grinned. “I have faith in you, too.”

Cameron laughed and began to scroll through the guide on the TV.

Ariana leaned her head against the back of the couch and thought back to what Cameron had said.

Did she have a crush on Nicole Neal? Ariana couldn’t take her eyes off of her when the camera zoomed in after the game.

She shook her head. Nah, she didn’t have a crush.

She simply appreciated Nicole’s knowledge of the game. But her voice.