Fast Break

That afternoon, Carol drops Jayson off downtown to meet Zoe. As he walks down Main Street, he reflects on all the past events that brought him to this new life. He ponders what would have happened if he had not been caught stealing the shoes in Percy, even wondering if deep down he wanted to be caught to get out of his desperate situation. He feels grateful that he does not have to live hand to mouth anymore.

Jayson goes into the Village Market to buy a snack before he meets up with Zoe. Inside the store, he overhears Zoe’s mother talking to a friend. Mrs. Montgomery gossips about Jayson, calling him a thief and even suggesting that he dealt drugs. She also reveals that she told Zoe about Jayson’s past and his placement into foster care. Shocked and ashamed, Jayson assumes that Zoe believes these lies. He quickly leaves the store, skipping their planned visit.

Jayson flees Belmont and goes to the basketball court at the Jefferson Houses. He reflects on Mrs. Montgomery’s words, feeling angry and embarrassed. He recalls how severely drug addiction harmed his mother and understands that Mrs. Montgomery, though wrong about him, is trying to protect her child from the world of drugs.

He accepts that while the Jeff shaped him and will always inform who he is, he prefers his new life in Belmont. He decides that his own truth matters more than rumors, feeling steady enough to move forward.

For a week, Jayson keeps what he overheard to himself. He texts Zoe a vague excuse for missing their meeting. She replies angrily and confronts him at school on Monday. He politely apologizes but refuses to explain, and she walks off with Eric Kelly, another athlete at the school.

Jayson continues to focus on basketball and spends much of his free time in the gym. He reflects on how many NBA players overcame challenging childhoods to find success on the courts. He wishes that his mother had been able to overcome her challenges, too, but knows that she tried her best. During practice, Jayson and his teammates talk about championship possibilities, with everyone feeling motivated. Jayson funnels his frustration into drills, resolving that basketball will be his path forward.

The next Saturday, the Bobcats face the first-place Percy Hawks. The game brings back Jayson’s bad memories from his shoplifting in Percy, but he tries to put them out of his mind. JeMarcus Betts, Percy’s point guard, gives Jayson trouble, and Percy builds a large lead. Frustrated, Jayson yells at a referee, gets a technical foul, and is benched by Coach Rooney.

At halftime, Coach Rooney privately advises Jayson to control his anger and asks him if everything is alright. Jayson agrees; he momentarily considers sharing his personal worries about Zoe but stops himself. Coach Rooney assures him that life will go on even if they lose the game. Belmont claws back, and in the final minute, Jayson converts a three-point play to put the Bobcats up. On Percy’s last possession, he steals the ball and scores again, bringing the team to victory. Coach Rooney praises Jayson, who acknowledges his excellent coaching.

Jayson still feels unsettled about Zoe and wishes that he could repair their friendship. While they still spend time together at school, their friendship is not as strong as it used to be. He remembers guidance from Ms. Moretti about managing his anger. When he meets with her, he hints at the situation without naming Zoe. Ms. Moretti advises him that admitting mistakes can start the repair process and encourages him to take initiative. Afterward, Jayson feels determined to try to fix the friendship and handle his emotions better.

On Saturday, the Bobcats build a big lead on the Geffen Grizzlies but then become complacent, allowing Geffen to come back. With Brandon and Cameron fouled out, the game is tied with a minute left. Bryan misses crucial free throws and admits to Jayson that he’s scared he will ruin the game for his team. Jayson tells him that fear has no place in a basketball game, encouraging him to toughen up.

Coach Rooney puts Jayson in charge of the final play and tells the players to spread across the court and play spontaneously. Jayson drives past Geffen’s best player, draws defenders, and passes to an open Bryan, who hits the game-winning shot at the buzzer. They celebrate together, feeling triumphant.

In the week before the Moreland East rematch, Jayson remains consumed with thoughts of basketball. His friend Tyrese, whom Jayson doesn’t talk to much anymore, calls to trade friendly taunts.

On Saturday, Jayson passes time walking around town before lunch with Carol. Passing the Elm Street Diner, he sees Zoe in a booth with Eric Kelly, laughing. Jayson wishes that he could be with Zoe romantically and feels frozen with shock and disappointment. When Zoe looks up and meets his eyes through the window, Jayson leaves abruptly.

Back at home, Carol senses Jayson’s mood and invites him to talk. She discusses growing up poor with a single parent and struggling with her temper. Feeling understood, Jayson tells her everything: Mrs. Montgomery’s lies, why he stood Zoe up, and what he saw at the diner.

Carol reassures him of his worth, suggesting that if Zoe cannot see it, the fault is hers. She promises that he does not have to carry his burdens alone anymore. Jayson believes her and hugs her.

That afternoon at Moreland East, Jayson greets Coach Rankin and Shabazz Towson. The Bobcats start poorly, and Jayson shouts at his teammates when they make mistakes. Coach Rooney benches him for insubordination, humiliating Jayson. While he sits out, the team rallies without him. Coach Rooney takes Jayson to the locker room to talk to him privately, telling him that if he bullies his teammates again, he will sit out the rest of the game. Jayson respectfully agrees.

When he returns, Tyrese accidentally lands on his foot, spraining Jayson’s ankle. Tyrese attacks the injury and scores several times. Nevertheless, Jayson is determined to play through the pain. With seconds left and Belmont down one, Jayson anticipates Tyrese’s final move, pokes the ball loose, and races for a layup at the buzzer, helping Belmont to win by just one point.

After the game, Jayson asks Carol to drive him to Percy but goes into the Foot Locker alone. He finds Pete, the store manager, and offers him $130 for the stolen shoes. Pete informs him that Tom Lawton already paid for them. Jayson gives Pete the money anyway, asking him to use it to buy sneakers for someone who needs them. Pete agrees and wishes him luck in the championship. Jayson leaves feeling that the past has been settled.

On the night of the state championship at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium, Jayson reflects on his journey as an individual and as a Bobcat teammate. The team tours the gym and takes photos, with the Belmont team receiving the privilege of using the Duke locker room. Jayson remarks to Bryan that it feels a long way from the Jeff. He feels a sense of kinship and earned trust with the team. Just as the Lawtons are one kind of found family, his Belmont team is another.

Before the game, they gather in Duke’s Defensive Room. Jayson feels positive and excited about the game, and Coach Rooney asks him to lead the team out onto the court. Jayson leads them in slapping the large D on the floor, a team tradition, before they run onto the court for the final against Raleigh. Finally, Jayson feels like he is not running from negative experiences but toward a brighter future.