Evidence: Use a quote that shows characterization in the story.
"Basketball Blues"
by Raquel Lindell
As I walked onto the court, I couldn't help but notice the fierce determination in Jake's eyes. He looked like a predator ready to pounce on its prey. I had heard the rumors about his impressive skills, but seeing him in action was a whole different level of intimidation.
"Get ready to be schooled, new kid," Jake sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. With each word, his lips curled into a cocky smirk, as if he had already won the game before it had even started. And maybe, just maybe, he had.
It was clear that Jake thrived on the thrill of competition, the adrenaline rush of proving his superiority. He played with an intensity that was unmatched, his movements fluid and calculated. He was a force to be reckoned with on the court, and he knew it.
But as the game progressed, I noticed another side of Jake. Behind the fierce exterior, there was a spark of genuine passion for the game. Every time he scored a basket, his face lit up with a childlike joy, a glimpse of the little boy who had first fallen in love with basketball.
"Do you see that? Did you see that shot?" Jake exclaimed, jumping up and down like a kid on Christmas morning. His normally stoic expression was replaced with pure elation, and it was in that moment that I understood his true character.