Of Shohoku's five starters, even Hanamichi Sakuragi posed a greater offensive threat than Miyagi. Yet, it was Miyagi who delivered a devastating blow to Sannoh. This was even outside of Shohoku's plans. Don't forget, Coach Anzai's pre-game instructions were to have Hisashi Mitsui score first.
Coach Anzai's original plan was to have Mitsui break through Satoshi Ichinokura's defense, then supply ammunition to Shirasawa, gradually chipping away at Sannoh's defense. But who would have thought that Ryota Miyagi, this hothead, would suddenly appear out of nowhere, stealing the spotlight and becoming the first one to charge out from this group of monsters.
In basketball, plans never keep up with changes. Even Coach Anzai could have foreseen this, so Goro Domoto certainly couldn't have predicted it. In other words, Miyagi, this little guy, completely exceeded his expectations and became the most glaring thorn in the side at the start.
Any other team would have called a timeout long ago, especially since this is the finals; even the smallest mistake could be fatal. However, Goro Domoto didn't move. He tapped his chin with his knuckles, his eyes glued to the court. It wasn't that a champion refused to bow his head, but that he was certain that the strongest Sannoh was already growling and about to awaken. Miyagi's fire, while fueling Shohoku's momentum, also became the key to unlocking Sannoh's cage.
The true king must break free from his cage.
Goro Domoto is the top coach in high school basketball today. Even Coach Anzai is a step behind him in terms of seniority. On the surface, the terror of Sannoh Industrial High School is supported by these monster players, but dig deeper and you'll find that Goro Domoto is the mastermind. He personally brought Eiji Sawakita into the team. He can teach, train, and sniff out good talents from a crowd like a hunting dog.
However, Goro Domoto has a flaw, or rather, an indelible mark. When he's giving instructions on the spot, any fluctuation in his emotions leaks out through his hands and feet. When things are going smoothly, he's as steady as a Buddha; but once he gets anxious, these little fidgety movements start, like pinching his chin.
If the team is really getting crushed, he'll simply get up, squat on the sidelines, and rack his brains until the team catches up. Everyone knows about this last resort. Many people are secretly hoping to see what he'll do when he's completely helpless, but unfortunately, they haven't had the chance yet.
In the semi-final match against Ryonan, he didn't make a single subtle move. To put it bluntly, Ryonan's few climaxes were nothing more than a splash in Goro Domoto's eyes; everything was under his complete control.
But now, he has changed. His confidence remains, but Shohoku has sent chills down his spine. Being prepared for danger in times of peace is the instinct of a good coach, a genuine recognition of Sannoh, and a somber warning to Shohoku.
Sannoh took the ball from their own court, the scoreboard showing 7-0, but they showed no sign of panic. Instead, they were unhurried and calm, which was unsettling. Kazunari Fukatsu the ball across half-court, and this time he didn't linger with Shirasawa. He passed the ball directly to Satoshi Ichinokura, and the two exchanged short passes, finding the ball in the hands of Masashi Kawata in the high post.
"Here we go again! Can Akagi- senpai handle this one?!"
Hikoichi Aida's shout was so loud it made his voice crack, and the entire Shohoku bench craned their necks. After all, in the last round, Big Kawata had cleanly and decisively passed Akagi.
Masashi Kawata received the ball on the right wing, swayed his shoulder from side to side, and then slammed the ball down, forcing Takenori Akagi to step up. He then accelerated with a change of direction, forcefully whizzing past Akagi. The footwork, the agility— Akagi couldn't keep up at all and nearly tripped. Akagi tried to adapt, but keeping up with this kind of rhythm takes more than just a few rallies.
" Big Kawata's dribbling is ridiculous! Is he really a center?!"
Hikoichi Aida could finish speaking, Big Kawata had already bypassed Akagi and driven straight to the basket. This time, he didn't take a light shot; instead, he put all his strength into it, jumping up and slamming it into the hoop.
Almost simultaneously, Hanamichi Sakuragi once again burst out from the side, just like in the previous play, using his second jump and hang time to forcefully disrupt Big Kawata. We can't worry about what happens next, but we absolutely cannot let this beast run rampant in the paint. Even if Nobe Masahiro Nobe score 30 points off the slack, it's better than letting Masashi Kawata completely get into a rhythm. Besides, these slacks aren't so easy to pick up; didn't Xiao Bai ruin it last time?
Hanamichi Sakuragi roared and leaped to block, but Masashi Kawata showed no fear, grabbing the ball with both hands and slamming it straight at the basket. In that instant, the entire arena froze—this was a head-on collision, a block or a dunk, there was no third option!
*Thud! Hanamichi Sakuragi's hand slapped the ball. In terms of jumping ability, Big Kawata was no match for him. But the ball didn't budge, still firmly held in Big Kawata's hand.
Hanamichi Sakuragi's heart skipped a beat.
Hanamichi Sakuragi's heart skipped a beat. But his body had already collided with it, and this was no joke—the Bald Gorilla's strength was simply outrageous!
"Bang!" A muffled sound rang out in the air, and Sakuragi instantly lost his balance, his hand bouncing off the ball. It was clear who was stronger won. Big Kawata frowned, and with a thunderous crash, he slammed the ball and all into the basket! The referee's whistle blew at the same time; Hanamichi Sakuragi committed a defensive foul, and Big Kawata had earned a 2+1 play.
Sakuragi staggered several steps after landing before finally regaining his balance. He had indeed put in his best effort, but Big Kawata's strength was clearly superior. Just like his nickname suggested, Sakuragi was just a monkey, while Big Kawata was a gorilla. The nation's top high school center had finally revealed his true strength, single-handedly breaking through Shohoku's twin towers.
"Kid, don't be so reckless, I'm afraid I'll break your wrist." Masashi Kawata pointed at Sakuragi, sounding like a warning, but his tone was full of sarcasm.
"Damn it! That arrogant Bald Gorilla!" Hanamichi Sakuragi gritted his teeth.
Sannoh's fans could finally shout at the top of their lungs. Big Kawata broke the deadlock for them, and what was even more crucial was that Shohoku's interior defense looked like it was made of paper.
Swish! Masashi Kawata stepped to the free-throw line, flicked his wrist, and the ball cleanly swished through the net. Just from that free-throw shot, you could tell what level his shooting was at; he certainly didn't look like a center. 2+1 completed, the score changed to 7-3. Shohoku had been playing so intensely, but Sannoh had caught up half the score in a single possession. It was a bit of a blow, but it was also the truth.
Goro Domoto nodded in satisfaction, breathed a sigh of relief, and sat up straight again, but his arms remained crossed over his chest, and his face still held that serious expression.
"Don't take it to heart. It's impossible for Big Kawata to get a single point. You did a great job, Sakuragi." Takenori Akagi patted him on the shoulder.
"Yeah! I know, I'll be more careful next time!" Hanamichi Sakuragi's answer surprised Akagi for a moment. This wasn't like him at all! But whatever, it was a good thing, Akagi was relieved.
Uozumi in the audience, sighed deeply. He had finally witnessed Masashi Kawata's strength firsthand. Kawata had indeed gone easy on him in the last match, yet he still played terribly. It seemed he really should bring his talent to the kitchen.
Shohoku is on offense, Shirasawa has the ball past half-court.
"That's pretty much it for the so-called 'early start'," Moichi Taoka analyzed. "What Shohoku needs to do next is maintain their advantage. It's probably going to be difficult to extend their lead further; Sannoh has fully woken up." Coach Anzai had told him that Shohoku needed to seize the early lead. In his opinion, this strategy had already succeeded, and they should be content; being greedy would probably backfire.
Shirasawa controlled the ball at the top of the arc. Kazunari Fukatsu step back. This distance was perfect; he could defend against shots or block drives. But suddenly, Shirasawa moved! He made a shooting fake, Fukatsu shifted his feet slightly but wasn't completely fooled.
But Shirasawa seized that very moment. He flicked the ball away instead of closing it in, executing a quick backheel strike that completely dismantled Fukatsu's defense. In a flash, Shirasawa cut right past him.
That first step was too fast! Coupled with the force of the attack, Fukatsu helpless and could only watch as he broke through. Shinichi Maki, watching from the sidelines, felt incredibly satisfied, and even his nostrils flared slightly.
After getting past Fukatsu, Shirasawa sprinted into the paint. Takenori Akagi gritted his teeth and held off Masashi Kawata, doing his best to create space for Shirasawa. Nobe Masahiro Nobe the basket. He took a step forward and went straight to meet Shirasawa.
Shirasawa stepped into the paint and sprang to his feet, exuding an imposing aura! This offensive choice might not seem logical, but he's Shirasawa, so it's a different story. Even when he jumps, he still poses a triple threat. Mitsui is still desperately trying to break free on the perimeter, while Shirasawa is already heading straight for the basket. Masahiro Nobe doesn't have time to worry about anything else; blocking others is his teammates' job, his current task is to stop Shirasawa!
" Xiao Bai! Go!!" The entire Shohoku bench stood up.
Masahiro Nobe leaped high, blocking Shirasawa in mid-air. Head-on collision, that's his style. He doesn't have abnormal physical talent; rebounding and defense are the foundation of his position at Sannoh. He relies on his exceptional strength, which is why he's known as the Big Pillar under the basket for Sannoh.
In the previous round, he stumbled against Shirasawa, his putback dunk blocked by Shirasawa. This time, he was fully prepared to face Shirasawa head-on! This 198cm tall muscle giant tensed every ounce of strength in his body.
When Shirasawa stood next to him, he looked a whole size smaller.
But the nickname "Big Pillar" wasn't given for nothing; he truly stands tall like a pillar supporting the sky!
Bang--!
The two collided violently in mid-air. However, neither of them was sent flying. Shirasawa pulled the ball outwards Masahiro Nobe! Masahiro Nobe gritted his teeth; at least in this physical confrontation, he held on and didn't lose!
But that thought only lasted a second.
He immediately felt Shirasawa's impact force still surging upwards, practically crushing him! He couldn't withstand it at all! Masahiro Nobe panicked and swung his arm to slap the basketball.
Snap
The ball didn't touch Shirasawa, but it hit him squarely on the arm with a crisp sound.
Immediately afterwards, there was a loud crash!
Masahiro Nobe lost his balance, and Shirasawa, pressing down on him, delivered a powerful smash! The basketball was slammed into the hoop! Masahiro Nobe couldn't stop himself after landing and landed hard on his backside.
Shirasawa landed in front of him like a god, and the basketball bounced right to his feet.
It was only then that Masahiro Nobe realized what had just happened. The erupting cheers from the crowd had already given the clearest answer.
Masahiro Nobe defensive foul.
If you have a grudge, take revenge on the spot!
"Awesome!!!"
" Shirasawa blocks the Big Pillar!!"
"Ah!! That's an incredible dunk! A dunk of death!!"
The Shohoku fans roared from the stands. Shirasawa's powerful dunk over an opponent sent their blood pressure soaring and their hearts racing. Although this wasn't Shirasawa's first dunk over an opponent, the opponent was different, and the effect was completely different. This was the National Finals, and the opponent was Sannoh Industrial High School's starting center, a two-meter-tall Big Pillar! And he was just dunked on like that!
At that moment, Shirasawa stood in front of him, looking down at him.