Fujima even declared that he was confident he could make him the strongest rookie to enter the high school league a year later.
As the sun sets, a basketball is tossed into the air.
Amidst cheers and jeers from the audience, the second round of the 100-Point Battle battle officially began!
Koichiro Nango came here with a simple purpose: to show off and attract the attention of girls!
However, he does have some skills, even though he mainly plays center forward.
But his speed and agility are comparable to Hanamichi Sakuragi's.
Michael Okita is a swingman; with his explosive physique, he could play from point guard to power forward without any problem.
The two of them each have their own unique skills.
Nango's main strengths are his post-up game and footwork; his style is methodical and solid.
Michael Okita, on the other hand, clearly had the intention of showing off his skills, so he unleashed all his hidden tricks in a spectacular offensive show.
The match lasted ten minutes.
The score became 35 to 26.
Michael Okita is leading by 11 points!
He played quite relaxed, and it seemed that Nango didn't put too much pressure on him.
After playing for twenty minutes,
The score is now 72-50.
Michael Okita's advantage is becoming increasingly apparent.
At this stage of the competition, what the audience had been waiting for finally arrived.
That's physical confrontation!
As physical strength declines and players become more familiar with each other's tactics, it's no longer so easy to easily outmaneuver others using only skill.
It's basically a head-on collision, a direct confrontation.
Whoever is more aggressive will be able to score.
Michael Okita's physical abilities are second only to Shirasawa in their team.
I'm not afraid to go up against an inside player like Nango.
But Nango was no pushover either; he swung his arm and went all out to fight him!
The two got increasingly agitated as they fought, and the fight escalated into a full-blown brawl.
You wouldn't dare make a move unless you knocked your opponent down completely.
The fans on the sidelines were on the edge of their seats, roaring with excitement.
" Rukawa- senpai," Ichiro Mizusawa leaned closer, his face earnest, "If you were to fight Michael, who would win?"
He couldn't beat any of them anyway, but he just couldn't suppress his curiosity.
Kaede Rukawa didn't even lift his eyelids, coldly uttering two words: "Traitor."
Ichiro Mizusawa deflated like a punctured balloon, sighing and moving away. It seemed that Kaede Rukawa was still holding a grudge against him for "running away" from Tomigaoka.
However, there was another reason why Kaede Rukawa didn't answer.
That means if he and Michael Okita were to truly compete, the outcome would indeed be decided by the slightest margin.
The match reached the 36th minute.
The final score was 99-61.
Michael Okita has match point and victory is in sight.
Actually, after about half an hour, Koichiro Nango's stamina was completely depleted.
He didn't have the same ruthless determination as Nobunaga Kiyota, who would fight to the bitter end. In the later stages, he basically just stood there numbly defending, and was relentlessly dominated by Michael Okita for five minutes.
On the final play, Michael Okita accelerated and broke through, taking off and slamming the ball into the basket.
After the ball went in, he ripped off his sweat-soaked jersey, revealing his taut, blood-red muscles, and let out a long roar.
This debut can be considered a successful one.
There were not only hundreds of passionate fans on the sidelines, but also quite a few reporters squatting there.
Tomorrow, the name " Michael Okita " will surely resonate throughout the basketball circles of Kanagawa!
On the night of the match, the team was supposed to have a celebratory dinner as usual, but Shirasawa didn't come.
He had already boarded the train to Shizuoka Prefecture.
Shizuoka Prefecture.
The guesthouse was brightly lit.
" Kogure, you'll need to provide me with extra cover tomorrow, especially from this position," Hisashi Mitsui said earnestly, pointing to the tactics board.
The Shohoku Basketball Team certainly has a generous budget this year. During their stay in Shizuoka, they booked an entire large guesthouse. The whole team of over a dozen people squeezed into one courtyard, which is convenient for holding meetings anytime and also saves any timid guys from being afraid of the dark.
At this moment, all the team members were gathered in the hall, around the tactics board on the table.
Tomorrow is the last day of their training camp in Shizuoka, and they will play another match against Jousei High School.
Since their crushing 35-point defeat, the entire Shohoku team has been training like crazy these past few days, as if they've been given a new soul. Jousei, of course, hasn't been short of sarcastic remarks, his sarcasm never ceasing.
But Shohoku endured it!
It's because you're less skilled than others. It's like fighting; if you can't win, you can only watch others gloat.
There's only one way to turn things around: get your revenge!
For Shohoku, the opportunity lies in tomorrow!
That's what they say, but the fundamental difference in overall strength between the two sides is undeniable. No matter how many tactics you draw on the tactical board, you can't create a Shirasawa...
In terms of personnel adjustments, it's simply a matter of switching between Tetsushi Shiozaki and Yasuharu Yasuda.
The only thing left to work on is tactical positioning.
The request that Mitsui made to Kogure just now is a crucial step.
Shohoku wants to win, Hisashi Mitsui must fire.
Simply opening it isn't enough; it has to completely explode!
That might be the only way to have a slight chance of winning.
Captain Takenori Akagi crossed his arms and offered no objection.
" Mitsui, tomorrow's game is up to you," Akagi said in a deep voice. "I'll do everything I can to support you under the basket!"
Mitsui nodded emphatically, already prepared to go all out and carry the team tomorrow.
With their backs against the wall, they had no choice but to fight with all their might.
"Alright, that's all for today." Akagi clapped his hands. "Everyone, get some rest, and give me your best tomorrow!"
He had barely finished speaking, and before anyone could respond, a familiar voice suddenly came from outside the door.
The sound startled everyone at first, but then they were secretly overjoyed!
"Going to bed so early? That's such a waste of your vacation time."
As he spoke, Shirasawa walked in with a smile.
At that moment, in the eyes of all the members of Shohoku, Shirasawa was practically glowing!
That was a radiance like the arrival of a savior!
" Xiao Bai!!"
Jousei High School Basketball Gymnasium.
"Today, let's send Shohoku on their final journey!" Jousei's head coach said through gritted teeth, "Don't hold back, beat them to a pulp!"
It was originally planned to be a mutually beneficial exchange competition.
Who would have thought Shohoku would pull something like this? Are they using us as free sparring partners?
Coach Jousei and Coach Anzai were old acquaintances; otherwise, they probably would have sent Shohoku packing on the first day. Of course, the two bottles of good wine Anzai gave them also played a part...
On the last day of the training camp, he decided to give Coach Anzai a "gift" in return.
That is to completely crush Shohoku!
"This is our last real match before the national tournament," Mikoshiba encouraged his teammates. "Treat it like the national tournament, and give it your all!"
He personally had no grudge against Shohoku, but for the sake of the team, he had to go all out. Only by defeating the opponent with all his might could they be in top form for the national tournament.
"Yes!!"
"Go all out!"
Half an hour later.
The stadium doors were pushed open with a bang, and Takenori Akagi strode in aggressively!
He was completely different today compared to a few days ago.
He exudes an intimidating aura that sends chills down the spines of those who see him.
Akagi's confidence stemmed from the person following behind him.
Shirasawa!
The backbone of Shohoku is back!
"Coach! That's Shirasawa!" one of Jousei's teammates exclaimed.
Unlike Mikoshiba, they weren't oblivious to what was happening around them; they kept up with the news...
Museum.
That face, there's no mistaking it!
"Hey, you've come at the perfect time." Mikoshiba's eyes lit up, and he was secretly delighted. Who cares why he suddenly appeared? This is a high-level sparring partner right here; you couldn't find one even with a lantern.
Even the head coach standing next to him had a smug look on his face. It seems that Shohoku was desperate to lose and had to call in reinforcements overnight. But, what good is one Shirasawa? Shohoku's overall level, tsk tsk, is far from good enough.
After a quick warm-up, both teams took their places on the field.
Before the match, Akagi had already explained Jousei's tactics, especially how Mikoshiba liked to play, to Shirasawa.
Shirasawa simply raised his chin casually, and his relaxed demeanor actually made Akagi feel much more at ease.
The dramatic comeback is about to begin.
Jousei's teammates were all eager to fight. Compared to beating up Shohoku, taking down this new "ace" was obviously more exciting for them.
" Akagi," Mikoshiba with a slightly mocking smile, "You think bringing in a newcomer will turn the world upside down?"
"A newcomer?" Takenori Akagi smiled confidently. "You won't think that way for long."
The jump ball begins, Akagi easily tips the ball to the backcourt. Shirasawa receives the ball, Shohoku's first offensive attack begins instantly!
Before Jousei's men could even get into position, Shirasawa had already dashed across half-court like a gust of wind, reaching the vicinity of the free-throw line in the blink of an eye. He paused, drawing the attention of the defense, but then flicked his wrist slightly.
The basketball seemed to have eyes, weaving through the gaps in the crowd and flying precisely to the right corner. Hisashi Mitsui, waiting there, caught the ball and shot; his body was still drifting as the ball was already released.
Just five seconds into the game, Shohoku scored a three-pointer!
"Wow, that pass was pretty good." Mikoshiba lost the opening ball, but he wasn't flustered, remaining as calm as he was in the first game. He felt he could quickly get back on track.
As the game transitioned from offense to defense, Jousei, the point guard, had just dribbled the ball across half-court when Shirasawa suddenly appeared like a ghost, spreading his arms wide and clinging to him tightly.
The point guard was startled, his hands fumbled, and Shirasawa snatched the ball away. Shirasawa immediately turned and launched a fast break, driving straight to the basket, where Mikoshiba jumped up with all his might to block the shot.
Just as he was about to make a layup, Shirasawa flicked the ball back in mid-air, sending it flying back to the top of the arc like a cannonball. Hisashi Mitsui caught the ball again and, without thinking, raised his hand and fired another three-pointer!
Another win!
After the ball went in, Hisashi Mitsui unusually clenched his fist and swung it forcefully. That's it, that's the style! This is the Shohoku offense he knows!
Now everyone in Jousei understood that Shirasawa wasn't just there to make up the numbers. His mere presence seemed to bring the entire Shohoku team to life.
Instead of being discouraged, Mikoshiba became even more excited; he had long wanted to challenge Shirasawa!
When it was Mikoshiba's turn to defend, Shirasawa stood in front of him without Mikoshiba even having to look for him. According to Akagi, this guy could shut down Mitsui so badly that was perfect; he could vent his teammate's anger first.
Mikoshiba was more than happy to oblige, and immediately waved for his teammates to pull him away, as he wanted to fight Shirasawa one-on-one.
Outside the left three-point line, Mikoshiba initiated a breakthrough, using his shoulder to forcefully collide with Shirasawa.
The two collided solidly. Based on Mikoshiba's experience, this collision should have at least pushed him back half a body length. However, the moment they made contact, his heart sank.
It wasn't a psychological shock, it was a physical one; he was truly jolted by the impact... it felt like he'd bumped into a wall. Of course, he hadn't used his full strength earlier, thinking it unnecessary. Now he realized it was necessary, but it was too late.
Taking advantage of his momentary pause, Shirasawa stretched out his long arm and easily snatched the ball, launching another fast attack. He charged ahead alone, attracting several people to surround him, but just before they were all closed in, he flicked his wrist.
The ball once again found Hisashi Mitsui precisely in an open position.
Mitsui receives the ball, jumps, and shoots. His third three-pointer goes in!
9:0!
" Mikoshiba," Takenori Akagi walked past him, raising his eyebrows triumphantly, "This isn't even our strongest form yet."
The first half has been going on for ten minutes.
At this point in the last game, Shohoku was already down by nine points, which was basically the beginning of their collapse.
But now, the score is 33 to 18.
Shohoku is leading by a full fifteen points!