With everything Simone is trying to balance, she starts to crack but finds the motivation to keep going from a group assignment with Damon and Thea. Damon struggles to bond with the team, but with the help of JR, Damon does something that scares him and gets him back on track. Keisha wrestles with letting go of her dream, while Cam's dream may be over before it even started. Meanwhile, Coach Marcus witnesses what the cost of being a whistleblower is having on Amara.

As Homecoming week continues, Simone grapples with her role on the tennis team and Thea receives some upsetting news. With Coach Marcus nowhere to be found, an interim coach steps in which creates conflict for Damon and JR as they try to win their most important game. Keisha throws herself into raising funds for Bringston in the hopes of helping to keep her chosen family together, while Cam makes a decision that could have major consequences. Meanwhile, Amara finds herself back in the spotlight with a surprising career opportunity.

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.

Simone is trying to break her long-running tennis curse by acing her presentation and dealing with boy drama, but a blast from her past brings its own drama. Damon and Thea are all set for a weekend away until the pressure of the high-stakes game and interview messes with their plans. Marcus learns some disappointing news and turns to Amara (Kelly Jenrette) for support. Meanwhile, Cam plays matchmaker for JR, and a visit from a dance alum raises the bar for Keisha, and she’s not sure how to handle the pressure.

Once again, Simone’s world has been rocked, leaving her no choice but to stand up for herself with her support system fighting right by her side. Damon is at a personal low, but things get worse when a salacious rumor circulates about him and the baseball team. Keisha’s dance trajectory hits a major roadblock leaving everyone to rally around her. JR reflects on his friendship when Cam shows interest in KEK. Meanwhile, Amara struggles with trying to balance being president and being an aunt.

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.

As Simone preps for the exhibition match, she is presented with unexpected obstacles; JR stands up for Cam in an unusual way; Damon gets advice from an unlikely source as he struggles with an important interview.