CHAPTER 16 — "The Sniper's Mark"
PAGE 1
Opening panel: Rockaway City in the locker room before the game, intense energy filling the room. The players suit up, getting ready for the heated rematch against Inwood City.
NARRATION:
Inwood City. Known for their deadly range and precision. The Snipers.
This isn't just any game. It's a rivalry match.
PAGE 2
Cut to the crowd at Inwood City's arena, fans sporting jerseys, chanting, and waving banners. The tension is palpable.
COMMENTATOR (off-screen):
"Tonight, Rockaway City takes on the kings of the arc. Will they survive the Sniper's Mark?"
PAGE 3
The game begins. Inwood City's shooters warm up, sinking 3-pointers from every angle. Rockaway City looks focused but wary.
TABAR (to teammates):
"Don't let their shooting get in your head. We control the paint."
PAGE 4
First quarter: Fast pace, Rockaway presses the ball inside, while Inwood looks to establish their perimeter shooting.
Inwood hits several early 3-pointers, but Rockaway answers with athletic plays in transition and strong post-ups from Mitch and Quan.
COMMENTATOR:
"Rockaway is pushing back, but Inwood's shooting is lethal."
PAGE 5–6
Back and forth, Inwood hits a few contested shots, but Rockaway retaliates with high-flying dunks from Tabar and Leo.
Leo hits a deep 3 to tie the game in the second quarter.
LEO (smiling):
"Range works both ways."
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The third quarter intensifies. Both teams exchange hard fouls. Mitch and Quan continue to dominate the boards.
Inwood's shooting guards, led by Eli's former rival on the court, shake off Rockaway's defense to knock down more threes.
COMMENTATOR:
"Eli and Inwood's guards are having a duel from deep. This is an offensive war."
PAGE 8–9
The game comes down to the final minutes. Both teams are neck and neck, with Rockaway up by one.
With less than 10 seconds left, Inwood's star guard, Jaxon, brings the ball up court.
SOULO (on defense):
"Stay on him. Don't let him shoot."
PAGE 10
Jaxon dribbles through traffic, expertly evading Soulo's defense. The clock ticks down. He rises for a jumper from beyond the arc.
It's good. The shot swishes through the net with 3 seconds left.
COMMENTATOR:
"Unbelievable! Jaxon does it again! Inwood takes the lead, 92-91!"
PAGE 11
Rockaway scrambles for one last shot. Soulo pushes the ball up, but it's too late. The buzzer sounds.
The players on both teams are exhausted, battered from a hard-fought game.
COMMENTATOR:
"What a game. Inwood proves why they're called the Snipers. That shot was money."
PAGE 12
Rockaway trudges back to the locker room, bruised and defeated. The atmosphere is heavy, but Tabar remains composed.
TABAR (calmly):
"We'll get them next time. This is just one game."
PAGE 13
Eli sits silently, fuming but trying to control his emotions.
ELI (quietly):
"We can't let this define us. We'll learn from it."
PAGE 14
As the team leaves the locker room, the mood shifts. A hint of determination is seen on everyone's face. They know they'll face Inwood again.
NARRATION:
The battle's over, but the war is just beginning.
Next up… the mystery team that's been lurking in the shadows.
PAGE 15
Tease panel for the next chapter: A shadowy figure appears in the background, partially obscured by the lights. A loud cheer from the crowd as Channel City's team enters the court.
COMMENTATOR:
"Channel City. The Bruisers. The real test begins now."
NEXT: "Channel City"