Chapter 41 - The State ChampionshipBy mid-July, the Ohio state youth wheelchair basketball tournament arrived with a wave of electrifying sports energy. The central arena in Columbus was packed with thousands of cheering fans, booming music, and flashing stadium lights.
Ethan’s team, the Columbus Cobras, had fought their way through a grueling playoff bracket to reach the state finals. As the head team captain, Ethan led his squad onto the polished hardwood court with absolute composure and fierce determination.
From the VIP family box, Alex and I watched every single play with bated breath. Ethan was unstoppable—passing with precision, stealing the ball from opponents, and driving down the court with breathtaking agility.
With only ten seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the scoreboard flashed a tight tie: 54 to 54.
Receiving a rapid inbound pass near the three-point line, Ethan spun his chair with lightning speed, locked his eyes on the basket, and launched a flawless, arching shot just as the final buzzer sounded.
Swish.
The ball sailed cleanly through the net, setting off a deafening explosion of cheers from the crowd.
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"WE WON!" announcers roared over the loudspeakers. "OHIO STATE CHAMPIONS!"
I leaped from my seat, cheering at the top of my lungs alongside Alex, as teammates rushed the court to mob Ethan in a joyous pile of celebration. Ethan raised his arms high, his brilliant smile shining brighter than the stadium lights above.
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