"It's rare to see a team that doesn't show any fear in the face of our Sanwang!"
“Although this is the first time for the team to participate in the national competition, it is really good for these players to be in such good shape.”
Goro Domoto sat on the bench, quietly watching the players of Ryonan who were doing warm-up exercises. His eyes swept over Uozumi, over Hanagata, and finally landed on Sendoh and Shinomiya Tano.
Although Ryonan High School is participating in the national competition for the first time, and the team's rating is only a mid-to-low-level B-level team, the reason why Sanwang Industrial has been able to dominate the high school basketball world for so many years is not only due to the hard work of the players, but also their game mentality.
Don't underestimate any team. This is the principle that Goro Domoto has always adhered to during all the years he has coached Sanno.
Therefore, Goro Domoto has some understanding of Ryonan High School, and he also knows clearly who is the most core figure of this Ryonan High School basketball team.
While Goro Domoto was observing the Ryonan players, Coach Tanaoka was also observing the Sanno Industrial players. His eyes were always on Masashi Kawata and Kazunari Fukatsu, and he attached great importance to these two players.
Coach Takeo has studied the Sanno Industrial team carefully. If we were to say which positions of theirs can beat Ryonan High School, it would be the point guard position and the center position. If we add one more thing, it would be the depth of the bench.
"Xian Dao and Tian Ye are definitely the top players in the country. With their abilities, they will never lose no matter what kind of opponent they meet."
"Although Hanagata used to play center, he can also play well at the power forward position. He should be able to handle the guy from Sannoh."
"The biggest question right now is the center position and the point guard position."
"Although Fujima is the top point guard in Kanagawa Prefecture, he is a little weak. I wonder if he can handle Sanno's Kazunari Fukatsu. And although Uozumi is tall, he has only been in contact with basketball for a short time. He will be at a disadvantage against Sanno's center."
"For this game... we at Ryonan need to slightly change our previous style of play!"
Coach Tanaka was naturally excited to play against the national champion Sanno Industrial, and his mind was full of the idea of "overcoming the strong with the weak". Facing Sanno, he would be even more excited. However, after a brief excitement, Coach Tanaka began to focus on the next game.
After all, Sanno Industrial is not an easy team to deal with. Even Ryonan, which has gathered many top players in Kanagawa Prefecture, may not be able to overcome Sanno Industrial.
In previous years, Kanagawa Prefecture had never defeated Akita Prefecture in the Autumn National Games. The Akita representative team in the Autumn National Games was actually a team composed of players from Sannoh.
The stands were now filled with spectators.
After everyone from Xiangbei High School sat down in the front row, they quietly observed the warm-up of the two teams. Ayako took out a small notebook from her bag and introduced the basic information she had found about the Sanno players to the players.
"This year's Sanno Industrial is a very young team."
"In previous years, Sanno's starting lineup for the national tournament was all third-year players, but this year, they have two second-year players and one first-year player on the team."
"No. 13, Zebei Rongzhi, first-year small forward, height 186cm, weight 73kg."
"His average score in the county competition was a terrifying 36 points, and that was probably not the result of his full effort. In the national competition, he also had an outstanding performance of scoring 50+ points in a single game. He is a very good player."
"In terms of strength, terror is not inferior to martial arts."
As Caizi spoke, she glanced at Wudao. Seeing that the latter had no expression on his face and did not intend to refute, she continued to introduce:
"No. 9, Kazunari Fukatsu, sophomore, point guard, height 177cm, weight 70kg."
"He averaged six steals per game in the county tournament and his judgment of the situation was very accurate. He is now the core figure of Sanwang Industries. The team's rhythm and basketball operations are basically controlled by him."
"No. 14, Masashi Kawata, sophomore, center, height 190cm, weight 91kg."
"This player seems to be a bit of a legend. It is said that when he first entered Sanno in his freshman year of high school, he played as a guard and seemed to be only 165cm tall."
"But this person grew 25cm in his first year of high school. Now, he is 190cm tall. This physical test data was reported before the national competition. Their Akita Prefecture competition ended long ago. This person's real height is probably 191cm."
When Ayako said this, Miyagi Ryouta's burning gaze fell on Ayako's face and asked excitedly:
"Really? This guy grew 25cm in his first year of high school?!"
"Not only has he grown 25cm taller, but he's also got this muscular body?!"
"Is this person really a human?"
Miyagi's exclamation was not hard to be heard by others. Wudou could more or less understand Miyagi Ryouta's feelings at this time, because he was also a freshman in high school this year, and when he first entered Xiangbei, his height was about the same as Kawata Masashi. But unfortunately, judging from Miyagi's current growth and development, it is unlikely that he will grow 25cm in a year.
Although Miyagi has never felt inferior because of his height, after all, who would want to be taller if they play basketball? Although Miyagi doesn't say it, do you know how envious he is when he sees Budo confidently pull up on the court
This ordinary scoring method can become a killer in Wudao's hands, relying on excellent jumping and height, which are not something that ordinary people can have. This is the talent that almost all young basketball players dream of!
"Yes, that's right. He grew 25cm in one year. This not only gives him excellent physical conditions, but also makes him excellent at dribbling and shooting."
"If Sanno was not short of forwards, with his conditions, he could have played as a small forward or even a shooting guard."
When Caizi said this, she couldn't help but glance at Jinguji Budou. Jinguji Budou has the body of a center, but has terrifying speed and shooting ability. Ordinary players can't even block Budou, which makes Budou the offensive spearhead of Xiangbei.
It is conceivable how terrifying it would be on the court if Masashi Kawata and Takeshi were on the same path.
"Masashi Kawata is indeed a very outstanding player."
"In terms of physical condition, he is not much different from Shinomiya Tano. For Ryonan High School, the so-called 'Neon's No. 1 High School Student' is not their biggest enemy. This Kawata Masashi is!"
Wudao listened to Kawata Masashi's introduction and gave his own judgment. As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in Xiangbei also turned their eyes to the No. 14 of the white team on the field.
At this time, the warm-up time for both teams has passed.
Led by their respective captains, players from both teams walked back to the rest area to make final preparations.
In the Ryonan rest area, Coach Tian Gang held a tactical board in his hand and waved to the players. After the players gathered together, he explained the tactical arrangement for the first half to the players:
"Today's starting lineup is Uozumi, Hanagata, Fujima, Sendoh, and Shinomiya Tano."
"The five of you will take the starting positions."
"Yuzumi, Hanagata, the two of you guard the basket, and one of you is responsible for defending one side. Be careful, even if someone breaks through, never let go of the person you are supposed to guard, and don't follow blindly."
"Uozumi is in charge of No. 14 Kawata Masashi who guards Sannoh, and Hanagata is in charge of No. 6 Harada Hiroki who guards Sannoh."
"On the outside, Tian Ye, you will be responsible for defending No. 13 Zebei Rongzhi, and Sendoh will be responsible for defending No. 4, Murakatsu Yota."
"Fujima, be in charge of defending No. 9, Kazunari Fukatsu."
"Be careful, the opponents you are facing are all national-level players, don't take it lightly!"
Coach Tanaoka was arranging the players' matchups. Just as he was about to arrange the offensive tactics, the silent Shinomiya Tano suddenly interrupted and said, "Coach, I'll go defend No. 4. Let Sendoh defend No. 13 Zebei Rongzhi."
As Shigong Tianye finished speaking, Coach Tiangang frowned. Coach Tiangang was a very strict coach. Even though Shigong Tianye was his most valued disciple, he would be a little unhappy if she suddenly interrupted him when he was arranging tactics.
However, this emotion soon disappeared. Although Coach Tiangang is strict, he will also listen to the opinions of the players.
"Tell me the reason." Coach Tian Gang asked directly.
"Uh..." Tian Ye was about to explain when Xiandao took over the conversation.
"I once fought against that Zebei Rongzhi. I misremembered his name before, but when I saw him again, I remembered it."
"I lost to him in junior high school, and now I want to win back!"
Sendoh has always given people the impression of being calm and indifferent, and this is the first time he has shown such a strong desire to win. His answer was brief, but Coach Tiangang also slightly widened his eyes, a little surprised.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
"Okay! You guard that Zebei Rongzhi."
"Xian Dao, don't let me down!"
Coach Takeo suddenly burst into laughter, patted Sendoh on the shoulder and gave him some advice. He seemed very satisfied with Sendoh's current condition.
"On offense, Fujima will lead the way. Fujima, if there's a chance, you can just take the shot yourself. It doesn't matter."
"If there is no chance, give the ball to Sendoh or Shinomiya Tano and let them attack."
"When attacking, you have to move actively. When someone is open, pass the ball at the first opportunity. Don't hesitate or be afraid of mistakes."
"In this game, everyone played with ease, without any pressure!"
"Because I know that you are the strongest team! We, Ryonan, will reach the top this year!"
"Go ahead, show up!"
Coach Tiangang's voice unconsciously rose at the end, and the players of Ryonan were also inspired by him and responded one after another. For a moment, the whole Ryonan gave people a feeling of momentum.
On the other side of the court, Goro Domoto seemed to have arranged the tactics, and the Sannoh players also walked into the court one after another.
The two teams began to take their positions in the center circle.
Sendoh stood in front of Zebei Rongzhi, lowered his center of gravity slightly, and waited for the kick-off. Zebei Rongzhi in front of him saw that it was Sendoh who was defending him instead of Shigong Tianye, and he suddenly felt unhappy.
"Hey, hey, hey, why isn't that Shinomiya Tano guarding me? Sendoh, have you forgotten that you and I have fought before?"
"You are no match for me. Let Shigong Tianye come. I also want to test his weight and see if he is worthy of being in the same league with me!"
Obviously, Zebei Rongzhi recognized Sendoh Akira, but it was normal. Zebei Rongzhi played very few games in junior high school. Later, because his seniors were not good people, he stopped playing games. He and Sendoh only met on a wild court. There were not many players who could play against Zebei Rongzhi and leave him with a memory.
Sendoh's basketball skills still left some impression on him.
"I didn't expect to meet you here again."
"But this time, I won't lose again!"
Sendoh replied softly, and hearing his words, a bright smile appeared on Sawakita Eiji's face.
"Well, I'll defeat you first, and then go find that Shigong Tianye."
"To be honest, I've watched your matches. His skills are very simple. Logically, he should be inferior to you."
"After you went to Ryonan, did their coach not trust you? Didn't he give you enough ball possession?"
Zebei Rongji is a lively person, and at this moment he actually started gossiping.
"The technology is single... . . . "
"Maybe. If you can beat me, you'll have a chance to fight him."
"You'd better be more cautious. A video is just a video after all. The person you think you can easily break through may become a nightmare when you actually face him."
As Sendoh spoke, his eyes involuntarily looked towards a corner of the stands, where the Xiangbei players were watching the game.
Sendoh's gaze didn't stay for too long, as the referee's whistle sounded, bringing Sendoh back to his senses.
“Beep!
!”
With a long whistle, the game began and the basketball was thrown into the air by the referee.
“Drink!
"The next second, a loud shout rang out, and Yuzumi Jun overpowered Kawata Masashi in the jump ball stage and was the first to grab the basketball.
"Well done, Yuzumi!" Hanagata Toru, who received the ball from the side, praised, and then quickly passed the ball back to Fujima. Just as Fujima was about to dribble forward, Fukatsu Kazunari suddenly appeared in front of him and reached out to grab the basketball.
The game has just begun, and the point guard who gets the jump ball is often the most relaxed, which is the best time to steal the ball.
Kazunari Fukatsu seized the opportunity and tried to steal the ball.
However, just as he stretched out his hand, Fujima didn't even dribble the ball, but held the ball with both hands, and then passed the ball to Shinomiya Tano who ran to the side to receive it. After receiving the ball, Shinomiya Tano took the ball naturally and began to advance with the ball.
"Return to defense!" Seeing that there was no chance, Kazunari Fukatsu shouted loudly and then quickly retreated.
Shinomiya Tano took the ball and slowly crossed the half court, approaching the three-point line. In front of him, Sanno Industrial's No. 4 Mura Katsuyota had already approached, looking ready for battle.
Yota Murakatsu, captain of the third-year team of Sanno Industrial, is 185cm tall and weighs 76kg. He has comprehensive skills and was the top scorer of Sanno before Eiji Sawakita.
"Pick and roll!" Faced with such an opponent, Shimoya Taneno did not force an attack. Instead, he made a gesture and actually called for a pick and roll.
Sendoh, who was not far away, received the order first and rushed over, but Mura Katsuyota also reacted quickly and broke the pick-and-roll with a simple move. After the pick-and-roll failed, Sendoh turned back and ran from behind Shinomiya Tano along the three-point arc in the 45° direction.
And at the moment when Sendoh and Shinomiya Tanno crossed paths, Shinomiya Tanno passed the ball to Sendoh, and then quickly cut in after passing the ball.
Sendoh didn't stick to the ball at all. As Shigong Tianye cut in, he passed the ball directly, and it landed accurately in Shigong Tianye's hands. Shigong Tianye, who got the ball at the free throw line, turned his head to look at the basket, his mouth slightly opened, and his face was fierce.
"Say hello to the Mountain King..."
Shimono Shima's speed of advancement was extremely fast. After getting the basketball, he suddenly accelerated. With just one step, he directly jumped up with the ball and glided towards the basket at a rapid speed.
At this time, Masashi Kawata and Hiroki Harada under the basket had never expected that Shimono would cut in so easily, and they didn't expect that the opponent would jump and attack the basket directly with the ball within one step of the free throw line.
Their common sense told them that no high school student could attack the basket with the ball in that position.
But Shinomiya Tano did just that.
In mid-air, Shinomiya Tano held the basketball high in one hand, with his whole body stretched extremely wide. Masashi Kawata and Hiroki Harada did not get into position immediately, and at this time they just raised their hands symbolically to try to interfere.
However, such defense was of no use to Shimonoseki. Shimonoseki glided towards the basket and slammed the ball into the basket with one hand. His body hit Hiroki Harada directly, and the huge impact force made the opponent stagger.
The powerful one-handed dunk caused the entire basketball hoop to shake violently. After landing, Shinomiya Tianye smiled at Kawata Masashi and Harada Hiroki and asked softly:
"Why, don't you try to stop me?!"
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