Chi Tong turned his gaze toward Yueyue again, his tone as calm as ever. "Yueyue, their number twelve is yours!"
"Defense!"
"He's their point guard. He isn't particularly strong, but don't let your guard down. Try to cut off his connection with his teammates."
"Yes!" Yueye Hongming nodded immediately, without the slightest hesitation or objection. He knew Aiwa Academy's strength well, and Chi Tong's arrangement was the right choice.
In the press section, Mukai Yayo stared at the electronic scoreboard. At the sight of 49-46, she could not help marveling.
"I never imagined Ryonan would actually finish the first half ahead of Aiwa Academy, one of the nation's top four teams."
Although Ryonan's earlier victory over Hainan had already given her a newfound respect for the team, seeing them hold down an established powerhouse like Aiwa Academy with her own eyes still felt unbelievable. Ryonan had risen far too quickly.
Just last year, Ryonan had been a team that could not even qualify for the national tournament. Yet in only a year, they had become this strong. Their rate of improvement had exceeded everyone's expectations.
She instinctively reviewed Ryonan's path through the competition, gradually reaching a clear conclusion. If their previous victory over Hainan could still be attributed partly to luck, or to Hainan happening to be off their game, then beating Aiwa Gakuin today would conclusively prove that Ryonan possessed the strength of a national semifinalist.
That would mean Ryonan had what it took to contend for the national championship.
At that thought, Mukai Yayo drew in a sharp breath. The realization sent a chill down her spine.
At the same time, a powerful longing and anticipation welled up within her.
As a reporter from Kanagawa Prefecture, she wanted more than anyone to see a Kanagawa team achieve great