The Legend Coach: Slam Dunk

June 20th, Morning, Kanagawa Gymnasium

The match between Musashi and East Toyoko ended with a final score of 150:80. Despite the win, Musashi's players didn't seem particularly happy, likely still recovering from their loss to Shoyo the previous day.

As for East Toyoko…

"This will be our third straight loss…" one of their players lamented.

"Don't cry. I'm already proud that we made it to the finals this year," East Toyoko's coach consoled. "You guys did great this year. Let's regroup, train hard, and come back stronger next year."

Spectators in the stands commented:

"The only teams that haven't lost yet are Hainan and Shoyo."

"Yes, this year's champion will likely come from one of these two teams. But I'm leaning toward Hainan—they're the kings of Kanagawa, after all."

"This next match is practically the finals. But Shoyo isn't bad either—they're really strong."

Pre-Game Preparations

Otsu addressed the Hainan players: "Alright, it's our turn!"

"Yes!!!" the Hainan team shouted.

"Let's go!" Nakamura called out to the Shoyo team.

"Yes!!!" the Shoyo team responded.

The cheerleaders erupted:

"Otsu!!!"

"Hainan!!!"

"Okabe!!!"

"Go Shoyo!!! Shoyo will win!!!"

From the audience:

"How tall is that guy?"

"Yeah, Okabe Yamato, the former number one center in Kanagawa, isn't as tall as him. That guy must be over two meters!"

"It's the first time I've seen someone that tall!"

"Sugiyama is 205 cm. It's unprecedented in Kanagawa's high school basketball scene. Facing such a talent must be intimidating," a reporter remarked. "But the Hainan team seems unfazed…"

"Although they appear calm, there's an air of confidence around them. Is this the aura of champions? Truly impressive…"

"Three minutes to go!" the referee announced, reminding the players to finish their warm-ups.

"Alright, gather around!" Kudo called.

"YES!!!"

In the stands, Coach Takaoka watched with mixed feelings as his former rival, Takato Riku, and his disciple, Kudo Shinichi, exchanged greetings.

On the court, Kudo and Takato approached each other. Kudo spoke first: "Takato-senpai, please guide me well!"

"No need for modesty, Kudo-kun," Takato replied with a smile. "You've already surpassed your teacher, Takaoka-senpai!"

Kudo laughed but didn't respond further. The complicated relationship between Takaoka and Takato was well-known among basketball enthusiasts, and as a junior, Kudo chose not to comment.

Back at Shoyo's bench, Kudo addressed the team: "I've said everything I needed to say yesterday. Now, there's nothing left to explain. Just one last reminder: you've fought hard to get here. Don't overthink things. Give it your all and leave no regrets!"

"Yes!!!"

The Game Begins

A few minutes later, amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd, both teams took the court. Shoyo's starting lineup was:

Shota Sugiyama (Center)

Oshima Sakiyama (Power Forward)

Nobukane Nakamura (Small Forward)

Hiromoto Ikeda (Shooting Guard)

Takanabe Saionji (Point Guard)

The referee blew the whistle at noon, tossing the ball high into the air.

As expected, Sugiyama won the jump ball—no one in the high school league could match his height and timing. Saionji controlled the ball, and Shoyo initiated their signature positional play. Through hard work and consistent performance, Sugiyama had earned his teammates' trust, becoming Shoyo's ace player.

Saionji passed the ball high to Sugiyama, who outmuscled Okabe, caught the ball mid-air, and slammed it through the hoop with a powerful dunk!

"Wow, an airborne slam dunk!" The crowd erupted in excitement, stunned by Shoyo's aggressive start.

However, Hainan's players remained unfazed, treating the play as just another two points.

Hainan inbounded the ball, and it quickly found its way to Otsu. Before Nakamura could react, Otsu launched a long-range three-pointer, sinking it effortlessly.

Shoyo responded immediately. Ikeda received the ball and drained a three-pointer of his own, as if answering Otsu's shot.

Hainan's next possession saw Otsu pass the ball to Okabe.

"Kid, I'll show you the strength of Kanagawa's number one center!" Okabe taunted Sugiyama.

Sugiyama remained focused, his eyes locked on Okabe. Okabe tried to back him down but found Sugiyama immovable. Instead of forcing the issue, Okabe stepped back and hit a fadeaway jumper, catching Sugiyama off guard.

"How's that for a move?" Okabe boasted, but Sugiyama didn't respond. His expression only grew sharper.

On the next possession, Sugiyama demanded the ball. After receiving it, he used his full strength to back Okabe down, slowly working his way to the basket before spinning and finishing with a thunderous dunk!

"As a center, you're no match for me," Sugiyama whispered to Okabe before heading back on defense.

"Damn it!!!" Okabe gritted his teeth in frustration.

A Tight Contest

For the next few minutes, both teams tightened their defenses, making it difficult for either side to score.

"What a close game!" the spectators exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's rare to see a team in Kanagawa go toe-to-toe with Hainan," one fan remarked. "This year's Shoyo is really strong!"

The cheerleaders from both sides were in a frenzy, chanting:

"Hainan!!!"

"Go Hainan!!!"

"Shoyo will win!!!"

"Go Shoyo!!!"

Nakamura received the ball and faked a pass to Sugiyama, tricking Otsu into overcommitting. By the time Otsu realized the deception, Nakamura had already driven past him and hit a smooth mid-range jumper.

"Nakamura, you've really matured," Kudo thought, watching Nakamura's play. "You've been setting up Otsu by pretending to pass, planting the idea that you wouldn't dare challenge him directly. You're not far behind Otsu now!"

After Shoyo broke the deadlock, Hainan responded in kind. Both teams traded baskets, keeping the game intense and the audience captivated.

The first half ended with Shoyo leading 53:51.

And Sugiyama Shota emerged as the most dazzling player of the half!