Once the game began, all speculation and anticipation were utterly shattered by Ryonan's overwhelming performance.
This time, there were still no surprises, no upsets, and no reversals.
Sannoh Industrial High School gave it everything they had, and Sawakita Eiji in particular brought out his full strength, trying to lead the team in turning the tide and reclaiming the glory that had once been theirs.
But against Chi Tong, who was in peak form and simply unbeatable, and against Ryonan, whose coordination was seamless and whose offense and defense were equally formidable, all of Sannoh Industrial High School's efforts seemed pale and powerless.
At last, the whistle sounded, and the game came to an end.
Just as expected, and entirely without exceeding anyone's expectations, Sannoh Industrial High School was defeated by Ryonan once again, suffering a regrettable loss.
On the court, Sannoh's players hung their heads, their eyes full of unwillingness and disappointment.
Sawakita Eiji stood where he was, watching Chi Tong's figure with a complicated expression. There was unwillingness, there was admiration, but he had no choice but to admit that he had lost again—lost completely.
Meanwhile, Ryonan's players were already embracing each other amid cheers. Sweat mixed with tears of joy as their shouts and cheers echoed throughout the finals venue.
This victory was not only the Winter Cup championship, but also Ryonan's final championship of the year.
With three consecutive titles in the Summer League, the Autumn National Sports Festival, and the Winter Cup, Ryonan secured the glory of a clean sweep and a three-peat, thoroughly cementing their position as the overlords of high school basketball.
For Lin Nan High School's basketball club, this had undoubtedly been a historic year, a year filled with miracles.
Though they had once possessed an unyielding spirit, they had always lingered in