Shoyo Team played exceptionally well in the first half, constantly suppressing Shohoku and taking a 12-point lead into the second half.
The atmosphere in the locker room was electric. Fujima cheered his teammates on.
"We need to maintain this momentum in the second half and defeat Shohoku in one go!"
He raised his index finger. "But we absolutely cannot be careless. Watch Shohoku Team's first-year trio. If they get going, the situation might turn unfavorable. We must always maintain control!"
Fujima paused, then continued, "This year, we're going to the National Tournament as the number one team!"
"Fujima!"
"Senior!"
These words ignited the fighting spirit of the Shoyo Team. Being number one meant defeating their long-time rival, Hainan. This year was their last chance—high school only lasts three years. They wanted to dominate the nation… by stepping over Hainan's corpse if necessary.
"Coach Anzai, do we need to adjust for the second half?" Akagi asked.
The atmosphere on Shohoku's side was tense. A large point deficit was not easy to erase.
Coach Anzai turned to Nango.
"Nango-kun, your thoughts?"
Nango calmly assessed the team.
"Let Kogure-senpai and Miyagi-senpai start. Mitsui-senpai and Rukawa rest for now. The beginning of the second half should focus on Captain Akagi leading the attack."
Coach Anzai nodded. "Then we'll follow that plan."
Akagi frowned, feeling a little uneasy. We're trailing, yet everything seems too controlled…
Halftime ended, and both teams returned to the court.
Nango waved to Kano again, a small, confident gesture. Shoyo noticed. Hanagata sneered.
"Can they still smile with this deficit? How naive."
Fujima said nothing. He knew Shohoku might act soon, and he was ready.
Kano whispered to Haruko, "Look how relaxed Nango is. They must have a plan."
Haruko nodded but still worried. The deficit wasn't something that could be erased instantly.
"Seniors, I'll leave the second half to you," Nango instructed.
Miyagi adjusted his hair and replied confidently, "No problem, don't worry."
Hanagata reminded Fujima, "Shohoku made substitutions."
Fujima laughed. "They want to wear us down? Sorry, Shoyo has enough stamina for the full game!"
The second half began. Akagi and Hanagata jumped for the ball—Akagi lost again.
Two jump balls in a row…? Spectators murmured.
Shoyo attacked immediately. Hanagata set a screen for Fujima, allowing him to slip past the defense. But waiting there was Nango, eyes sharp, ready to respond.
Fujima quickly assessed the paint. Akagi guarded the paint, but Takano was at the power forward spot. Shohoku had switched defenses.
Fujima faced Nango directly. The first-year's gaze seemed to say: Come on!
This was Shoyo's first official game of the year, meant not only to aim for victory but also as practice for the upcoming round-robin tournament. Fujima needed this warm-up as much as his team.
Nango and Maki were similar types of players; no one was a better opponent for Fujima in this moment.
Fujima accepted Nango's challenge.
The crowd noticed: Fujima versus the first-year Nango, an eye-catching duel. Excitement surged as everyone wondered who would dominate.
Fujima could shoot three-pointers, but he wouldn't rely on that alone. From Nango's position, he had only two options: drive all the way or take a pull-up jumper. Stop the ball, and the play would collapse.
Nango adjusted his center of gravity, ready for the drive.
Fujima faked left. Nango mirrored him. Behind-the-back, Fujima shifted right. Nango followed. Fujima dribbled left again. Nango paused. In that instant, Fujima created space.
Sakuragi considered rushing in to block but Fujima anticipated it. He pulled up for a quick jump shot, and the ball slid smoothly into the basket.
Fujima's unusual release point—earlier than most—and left-handed style made him extremely difficult to defend.
Nimble, fast, unpredictable—Fujima struck like a demonic blade at unexpected angles.
Kano clenched her hands, silently praying for Nango…
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