RJ Barrett’s back faces the rim. A chest presses against him. The scoreboard hints at overtime. Some fans tag along with the clock, counting the final seconds. Some chant “De-fense.”
Barrett breaks left. He quickly crosses over to his right, then throws the ball between his legs back to his dominant hand. The defender is dust. Three more take that defender’s place, racing simultaneously toward the threat.
The 14-year-old elevates at the left elbow, with an outstretched arm in his face. The ball never touches the rim. The championship is over.
“It was storybook,” said Regional Elite Development Academy (REDA) coach Tarry Upshaw.