When Simone is faced with her first college level tournament, she learns she has to conquer an unexpected bigger foe and gets some sage advice from Thea. Damon struggles with an assignment as it hits a little too close to home when it triggers some of his insecurities. As JR re-examines his identity, he gets advice from an unexpected source. Amara continues to fight her battle with President Allen and Bringston in her own way. Meanwhile, the gang rallies around Keisha as she tries to navigate her late mom's birthday on her own since her relationship with her father is strained.

After returning from break, Simone throws herself into distraction, including her tennis tournament, to avoid dealing with what's really bothering her. When Damon finds himself with more questions than answers, he finds help from Thea. With the help of Nathaniel, JR realizes he needs to change his narrative on how he sees himself after he has a viral game moment. Meanwhile, Amara inches closer to the issues going on with Bringston and Coach Marcus' paranoia is at an all-time high.

Still not getting the sisterhood bond she craves from the tennis team, Simone’s interest in joining a sorority grows, but she runs into some roadblocks. Marcus tasks Damon and JR with hosting a potential top baseball recruit, but unexpected tension between the two messes up everything. Nate puts a more inclusive spin on an annual Black History Month event that not everyone is thrilled about. Thea’s desire to return to the court forces her to decide on the best course for her career. Meanwhile, Amara and Marcus meet resistance when they try to speak their truths.

As Simone and the Bringston tennis team travel to their tournament, prepared to dominate, an unexpected encounter puts them in danger. Damon ponders his next move in one area of his life while dealing with a new baseball rival that ends up proving useful. Meanwhile, Nathaniel is presented with a challenge that she is unsure if she should accept, and Keisha works vigorously to appease her professor, which is met with grim consequences.