July 29, 2010
The gym buzzed like a hornet's nest.
Parents, students, and scouts packed the Ridgewood Middle bleachers, their chatter rising above the rhythmic bounce of basketballs echoing through the court.
The glossy hardwood gleamed under the lights. The sharp squeak of sneakers, the crisp sound of net swishes, and the occasional boom of a backboard slap set the stage. Coaches barked orders. Managers scrambled with clipboards. The energy was electric.
This wasn't just a game.
It was Step 1 of a journey toward national glory.
The Thunderhawks stood across from the Ridgewood Lynx, black and gold uniforms shining with pride.
They were last year's defending national champions, a team forged through pressure, pain, and perseverance.
But Ridgewood was no underdog either.
They were the District 14 titans, known for precision plays and cold-blooded execution. Many thought they'd take down the Thunderhawks here and now.
No one expected an upset.
