“Culver’s Rangers” (StoryADay Challenge/Day 16)

The Prompt (by Tobias S. Buckell, who is a New York Times Bestselling author. His novels and over 50 short stories have been translated into 17 languages and he has been nominated for the Hugo, Nebula, Prometheus and John W. Campbell Award for Best New Science Fiction Author.)

Think about three different characters going into a situation who need three different things to happen in it. Now, all of these things will conflict with the other needs. Think about how they will ally with each other and thwart each other in conversation and subtly trying to influence each other. But only one character can get what they want. Now… go!

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“Culver’s Rangers”

Coach Culver walked into the gym with a basketball under his arm beside assistant coach Green. “Listen up fellas,” Coach Culver said, walking towards the three players. “Basketball tryouts are always tough. You guys all performed well, but as each of you know, there is only one spot remaining on the team for the center position.”

There was Carlos Torres, Dante Pierce and Marcus Holiday. Each player, still in their tryout jerseys. Sweat dripping off their chins. 

“Boys, let’s make this quick,” Coach Culver said. “I've been her all day, I’m starving and Mrs. Culver is making her signature jerk pork chops.” 

“Last year we made it to the division finals,” Coach Green said, scanning the players eyes. “There we lost to the Titans.”

“Of all the teams, the Titans!” Culver said. “Excuse me. It still upsets me.” 

Coach Culver wiped the sweat off his face with the towel slung around his neck.

“Coach Green and I decided to hold a sort of exit interview with each of you. Why are you the player we need at the center position? Starting with you Mr. Torres?”

Carlos stammered. “Well, I feel, of the three of us, my defense is the strongest on the block.”

“No the hell it’s not,” Marcus said. “Your defense is weak. You get bullied in the post from guards.”

“At least I’m not jumping to every head-fake,” Carlos said. “That’s why you're always in foul trouble. You can’t even stay in the game long enough to be effective.”

Marcus sucked his teeth. “I play hungry. If I take a couple early fouls so be it. I’ll get back in the game.”

“I also have a solid mid-range jump shot that can spread the defense,” Carlos said. “Unlike these two.”

“Coach Culver and Green,” Dante said. “I don’t even know why I’m here with these two clowns. I was a division all-star last season.”

“Yes you were Dante,” Coach Culver said. “But you let that notoriety go to your head. You lost your drive and you put on some significant weight since last season.”

“Yeah Coach but-”

“But nothing.” Coach Culver said. “If you want to be great, you don’t let a little attention get to your head and take you off your game. Last season doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s a new season Pierce.” 

The gym was quiet for a moment. 

“Coach Green, read me the stats from the scrimmages,” Coach Culver said. 

“Sure thing,” Coach Green said, opening the folder he was holding. He pulled out a sheet of paper. “Carlos Torres: played twenty-five minutes, twelve points, six rebounds, four assist, two blocks, one steal and four turnovers.”

“It wasn’t my best game, but I definitely helped my team,” Carlos said. “That’s what I care about most, being helpful to my team.”

“Dante Pierce,” Coach Green said. “Played thirty minutes, seventeen points, four rebounds, one assist, zero blocks, zero steals, six turnovers.”

“He doesn’t hustle anymore,” Marcus said.

“Shut up!” Dante said. 

“Make me shut up,” Marcus said, getting in Dante’s face. 

“Cut it out guys,” Coach Culver said, separating the boys. 

“You wish you had my talent Marcus,” Dante said.

“No thank you,” Marcus said, laughing. “I don’t want to be washed up already.”

“Washed up? Play me one-on-one.”

“This is a team game, what does one-on-one prove Dante?” Marcus said.

“That’s enough,” Coach Culver said. “Read Holiday’s stats.”

“Marcus Holliday,” Coach Green said. “Played thirty-seven minutes. Twenty points, nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks, two steals, one turnover.”

“Ball hog,” Carlos said. 

“What?” Marcus said.

“You heard me.”

“You're just salty because I dropped those twenty points on you sweetheart,” Marcus said, laughing. “Get your weight up”

“I’m more of a team player and you know that,” Carlos said.

“You are seriously delusional bro,” Marcus said. “I let my game speak for itself.”

“That’s enough fellas. That’s enough,” Coach Culver said. “I want to thank all of you for trying out, all of you have extraordinary potential. Just keep working. Coach Green and I discussed this already, and we feel the player who fills the center position and gives this ball club the best chance of accomplishing our championship goals is Mr. Marcus Holiday.”“Yes!” Marcus said. 

“Congratulations Mr. Holiday,” Coach Green said,

“Thank you Coach.”

“Carlos and Dante, you guys are talented. Both of you know that. I hope lessons were learned throughout this process. Never rest on your laurels and be a team player. Play for one another. That’s what makes a ball club mesh. When all the players buy into the system. When they stop playing for themselves and begin playing for their brothers on the court with them.” 

Coach Culver shook both Carlos and Dante’s hands. “I hope to see both of you at next year’s tryouts.”

“Definitely Coach,” Carlos said, flashing his signature gap-toothed smile.

“This was a humbling experience for me Coach, I thank you for that. I’ll be back next next year.” 

“Life is all about the lessons we learn and carry on forward with,” Coach Culver said. “Everyone get home safe, I have an appointment with my darling wife and some jerk pork chops, Goodnight!” 

Coach Culver walked out of the gymnasium waving his towel, “Let’s go Rangers!”

The End

**This is a work of fiction. Names. characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.