The presentation of the MVP award was only the beginning.
Immediately afterward, the tournament organizing committee officially announced the tournament's "First Five."
The announcer's voice rang through the arena: "We will now announce this tournament's First Five!"
"Point guard-" After a brief pause, the name was revealed: "Kazunari Fukatsu, Sannoh Industrial High School!" Applause rose from the stands.
Kazunari Fukatsu's skill and leadership were plain for all to see, and Sannoh Industrial High School's overall results also supported his selection.
In the Kanagawa Prefecture section of the stands, Shinichi Maki sighed softly. The Kainan Team's final placing had indeed hurt his chances for individual honors, but he soon accepted it and continued applauding those selected.
"Shooting guard-"
"Eiji Sawakita, Sannoh Industrial High School!"
There was no suspense about that name. Even though Sannoh Industrial High School had fallen in the semifinals, the ability of "Japan's number one high school player" was still universally acknowledged as top-tier. The terrifying dominance he had displayed against Shohoku remained fresh in everyone's memory.
With two players selected, Sannoh Industrial High School demonstrated its pedigree as a champion.
"Small forward-"
"Kaede Rukawa, Shohoku High School!"
Kaede Rukawa stepped out of Shohoku's ranks without expression, even though he had largely been overshadowed by his teammate Ryota Kudo.
But his efficient scoring throughout the tournament, his surprise shots at crucial moments, and his steadily improving defense had produced equally impressive numbers. His selection was well deserved.
"Power forward-"
"Ryota Kudo, Shohoku High School!" This choice was equally free of suspense.
Naturally, the MVP belonged in the First Five.
Holding his MVP trophy, Ryota Kudo stepped out of the ranks once more.
"Center-"
"Hiroshi Morishige, Meihou Industrial High School!" His enormous frame rose to its feet.
As the undisputed centerpiece who had led Meihou Industrial High School all