Page 147 of Ruthless Court

“I know how to practice with kids.”

“I’ve watched you play frustrated.”

A few fathers laugh from the bleachers.

Hannah bounces the ball to Evan.

“Run it.”

The boys move into four-out spacing. Evan starts inside, sets a weak-side screen, then rolls toward the basket.

The pass comes late.

I step into the lane.

Evan panics and brings the ball down.

I strip him.

Hannah’s whistle cuts through the gym.

“Freeze.”

She walks onto the court and points at Evan’s hands.

“What happened?”

“He took it.”

“Why?”

Evan looks at me. “He’s Kane Haverhill.”

“That isn’t a basketball answer.”

“I brought the ball down.”

“Exactly. Catch high, keep it high, finish before the defense resets.”

She gives him the ball.

“Again.”

This time, he catches above his head and goes straight to the glass. I contest without blocking him.

The shot drops.

Evan’s whole face changes.

Hannah nods once. “Better.”

He runs back taller than before.

I’ve had coaches who could tear a player apart with three words.

Hannah builds them with one.

We run the action several more times before she calls everyone in.