Chapter 644: The Locker Room
Saturday, March 11th, Afternoon
From her position on the sideline, she watched the third quarter start. Northwest Guilford began with the ball and moved it into the zone. They kept the same plan, moving the ball around and killing the clock. That lasted until the ball was pushed into the paint with a pass. A ball hawking Brett stepped in front of Tennent and stole the ball. Brett twisted and turned, secured the ball, then turned down the court, opening the throttle. For her size Brett was quick.
Ashlyn stood up from her seat on the bench, "Go!" she yelled.
The other Tree Hill players took notice and turned down the court. Ashlyn noticed Tennent was pissed and took after Brett. The Northwest Guilford power forward put the hammer down as she chased after Brett.
"Watch your back!" Ashlyn yelled.
Ashlyn's voice was lost in the noise of the arena. Brett was in the paint, and Ashlyn wondered if Brett would slam the ball. Ashlyn had seen Brett do it several times in the gym at Jamlyn, but she had never seen it in a game. If Brett did that, it would be a powerful statement. Maybe, but Ashlyn suspected that Brett wouldn't do it.
Brett went in the air to glide to the basket. There was a grace to this tall young woman as she went for a layup. Brett reached out and finger-rolled the ball just as Tennent leaped up and tackled Brett. The two young women crashed down on the hardwood.
Ashlyn stared in shock, but at least the referee called a foul on Tennent. The Northwest Guilford power forward popped to her feet and started to argue with the ref. Baylee arrived next to Brett; she went to help her friend and teammate up, but stopped her, then signaled for the trainer.
"What happened?" Ashlyn asked to the air as the crowd got quiet.
The trainer ran out onto the court; the three coaches were behind them. Once Ashlyn got to Brett, she looked down at her daughter, on her back but awake. A puddle of crimson blood was by her head. Ashlyn turned to see the two teams get between Baylee and Tennent. This was as well as keeping Avril away from Tennent.
"Get back to the bench," Coach Scott said to the team; they hesitated but started to go. Coach Scott turned to Ashlyn. "Go with them and keep them behaved."
"Lucas, can't Kiera do it?" Ashlyn asked.
"No, you do it," Coach Scott said.
"I want to…." Ashlyn said.
"Look, I know that's your daughter on the court, but you're not calm, and that's what Brett needs right now," Coach Scott said.
"But…" Ashlyn said.
"Go!" Coach Scott said.
Ashlyn nodded and herded the four players toward the bench. She ensured they were hydrated and looked at Cameron, who was getting up and stretching. At least she kept herself busy, which Ashlyn was having trouble doing as she watched. All she wanted was a sign that her oldest, her red-haired daughter, was all right.
The trainer got Brett into a sitting position. After some checks, they had her hold a towel to her head. Ashlyn watched as Coach Scott talked to Brett. Brett nodded and seemed to be talking. Finally, they got Brett to her feet and headed toward the locker room. The crowd cheered, and Brett waved to them with a free hand. The trainer went straight to the locker room.
Coach Scott returned to the bench and gathered the team together. Ten girls and the three coaches looked at each other.
"Brett has a nasty cut on the back of her head. The trainer brought her in the back to have it looked at and treated," Coach Scott said; the girls nodded tentatively. Coach Scott looked all over and set eyes on Cameron. "Cammie, you're next up," he said.
"Yes, Coach," Cameron said, leaving the huddle to check-in. When she came back, Coach Scott looked them over.
"Nothing has changed; go out and play our game. Don't seek revenge; it's not worth it, and Brett will be good," Coach Scott said.
"Yes, Coach," the girls said; Ashlyn noted they were deflated.
"Bring it in," Coach Scott said. The girls put their hands in.
"Ready for Combat on three," Faye said, "One…two…three."
"Ready for Combat!" the girls said, but their heart wasn't into it. The five girls headed out to get ready to resume play. Ashlyn watched as they cleaned up Brett's blood.
"Coach," a young woman's voice said. Ashlyn turned to see Jade Loyal standing there. Her hand is now in a splint.
"Yes, Jade," Ashlyn said.
"I can go if you need me," Jade said.
"Thanks, Jade, but you've been ruled out," Ashlyn said.
"I figured with Brett injured, things changed," Jade said.
"No, they haven't," Ashlyn said.
"Jade, please have a seat," Coach Scott said.
"Yes, Coach," Jade said.
Coach Scott looked at Ashlyn. "Go check on her," he said.
"Are you sure? I should be on the bench," Ashlyn said.
"We got this, be with your daughter," Coach Scott said.
"Are you sure?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yes, go," Coach Scott said.
"Yes, Coach," Ashlyn said and headed to the locker room. She tentatively walked to the trainer's room and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Ashton called out.
"Coach Pierce-Scott," Ashlyn said.
"Come in, Ashlyn," Ashton said.
Ashlyn opened the door and watched Ashton working on Brett's head. "AP, how is she?" Ashlyn asked.
"A pretty good cut; she'll have a few stitches; once I'm, done, I'll do some neurological checks," Ashton said.
"That's good news," Ashlyn said tentatively.
"There is some good news to report," Ashton said.
"What, AP?" Ashlyn asked.
"There's a human brain in her thick skull," Ashton said.
"Funny, Aunt AP," Brett said.
"Stay still," Ashton said.
"Okay," Brett said.
Ashlyn walked over to Brett and looked at her. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Is this my mom or coach asking?" Brett asked.
"Both," Ashlyn said.
"I'm feeling pretty good; I want to get back out there," Brett said.
"Before I forget, she's going to need a tetanus shot," Ashton said.
"Thanks, AP," Ashlyn said, "Why can't you wait to get out there?"
"Tennent," Brett said.
"Payback?" Ashlyn asked.
"Something like that," Brett said.
"Brett, before going out for revenge, first start by digging two graves," Ashlyn said.
"Then call me gravedigger," Brett said.
The three women left it at that.