Chapter 21: A Genius Does What A Genius Does

The third quarter kicks off with Hoshioka Academy in possession of the ball. They begin by executing a series of quick passes, probing Yumei High's defence for weaknesses. The Hoshioka point guard notices Hiroshi slightly lagging and uses this opportunity to set up a play for Yuki.

Yuki receives a pass near the free-throw line and then sets a pick for the point guard, who dashes around him. As Yuki rolls to the basket, he receives a perfectly timed pass and finishes with a strong layup.

On the other side, Hiroshi tries to reply. He gets the ball at the top of the key and drives to the basket. As he is about to lay it in, Yuki comes out of nowhere to block his shot. The crowd gasps.

Hoshioka grabs the rebound and transitions to offence. Their point guard pushes the pace and finds an open shooter on the wing who nails a three-pointer. The Hoshioka fans erupt with cheers.

At this point, the Yumei High players realize they need to get more engaged to counter Hoshioka's onslaught. Tetsuya, the small forward, makes a nice cut and receives a pass from Hiroshi for an easy two.

However, Hoshioka continues their aggressive attack. Yuki posts up Daichi near the basket. His footwork is impeccable as he fakes one way and spins the other for a hook shot over Daichi.

Hiroshi tries to muster his energy. He posts up against Hoshioka's power forward, utilizing his strength. A couple of power dribbles, and he goes up for a strong finish, drawing a foul in the process. He completes the three-point play at the free-throw line.

Back on defence, Hiroshi seems to be conserving his energy. Hoshioka's guards notice this and initiate another pick and roll involving Yuki. This time, Yuki pops out to the three-point line instead of rolling and hits a three.

Ryota, Yumei High's shooting guard, tries to keep the team in the game by hitting a mid-range jumper. But Yuki answers back with another powerful move in the post.

Coach Saito recognizes that Hiroshi is exhausted and that Yuki is starting to take over the game. He decides it's time for a defensive adjustment to try to mitigate Yuki's impact and save Hiroshi some energy.

This sets the stage for Coach Saito's strategic defensive switch, as he now assigns Daichi to guard Yuki while Hiroshi takes on Hoshioka's power forward.

As the game resumes, Yuki goes to work in the post. He catches an entry pass and immediately backs down Daichi. With an explosive drop step, he spins past Daichi and throws down a thunderous dunk. The crowd roars as Yuki flexes his muscles.

On the other hand, Hoshioka's power forward starts moving towards the corner whenever they are in possession, effectively pulling Hiroshi away from the paint. This creates more space for Yuki to exploit.

Meanwhile, Yumei High's offence is still being shouldered by Hiroshi. Despite his fatigue, he fights through. On one possession, he receives the ball on the low block, gives a quick shoulder fake, and lays it in over two defenders.

But as Hoshioka's offensive assault continues, Hiroshi gets visibly frustrated. Yuki scores again, this time on a put-back after an offensive rebound.

The Yumei High players start glancing anxiously at each other. Ryota says to Hiroshi, "Man, we need to find a way to stop him!"

"I know," Hiroshi replies, wiping sweat from his brow.

Coach Saito looks deep in thought as he contemplates a new strategy.

On the next possession, Hiroshi decides to take matters into his own hands. He catches the ball at the three-point line, pump-fakes to get his defender in the air, and drives to the basket for an and-one layup.

However, Hoshioka Academy answers right back. Yuki, once again in the post against Daichi, uses a powerful up-and-under move to get free and scores another basket.

As the quarter draws to a close, Yumei High's lead has dwindled, and the momentum is shifting. Hoshioka Academy's players are hyped up, high-fiving each other, while Yumei High looks weary and concerned.

Coach Saito signals for a timeout with a stern look on his face. The players gather around, trying to catch their breath as they prepare to hear what their coach has to say.

As the timeout is called, Coach Saito gathers the players around the bench. He quickly lays out a board with markers and starts drawing up a 2-3 zone defence.

"Listen up! We're switching to the zone. Hiroshi, Daichi, you'll anchor the paint. Tetsuya, Ryota, I want you on the wings. Close out on their shooters but don't leave the paint wide open," Coach Saito instructs with urgency.

The players nod and start discussing among themselves how to execute the zone defence effectively.

Meanwhile, Ayumi, who had been watching the game intently, leans in and speaks to Kazuki. "Watch for Yuki's high post; he likes to pass to the corner from there. And tell Daichi to anticipate the spin move," Ayumi whispers.

Kazuki's eyes light up with realization, and he shares Ayumi's insights with the others.

As the game resumes, Yumei High sets up in their 2-3 zone. Hoshioka Academy initially looks confused but continues to move the ball around, probing for openings.

Yuki gets the ball at the high post and, just as Ayumi had mentioned, looks to pass to the corner. But Kazuki anticipates it and tips the ball. Ryota grabs the loose ball and passes ahead to Hiroshi, who finishes with a powerful slam dunk. The Yumei High crowd goes wild.

Hoshioka Academy regroups and tries to break the zone defence. They manage to find an open shot from the corner, but it rims out. Daichi snags the rebound and passes it to Kazuki, who sets up the offense.

Kazuki, now more confident, runs a pick-and-roll with Hiroshi. As the defence collapses on Hiroshi, Kazuki finds Tetsuya open on the wing. Tetsuya doesn't hesitate and drains a three-pointer.

However, Hoshioka Academy is resilient. They adjust their offence to exploit gaps in the zone. Yuki begins to play at the high post, drawing defenders and then passing to cutters or open shooters.

One such play sees Yuki making a no-look pass to their power forward, who slams it home. Hoshioka is still very much in the game, and both teams continue to battle fiercely as the third quarter comes to an end.

As the buzzer sounds, signalling the start of the fourth quarter, the atmosphere in the gym is electric. The crowd is on their feet, and the tension is palpable.

Hoshioka Academy initiates the offense, with Yuki getting the ball down low. He uses his strength and footwork to back down Daichi and finishes with a hook shot over him. Hoshioka takes the lead.

On the next possession, Hiroshi takes matters into his own hands. He sets a screen for Kazuki and rolls to the basket. Kazuki lobs the ball up, and Hiroshi catches it mid-air and slams it down. Yumei High reclaims the lead.

Back and forth they go. Yuki uses a spin move on the low block to shake off Daichi, finishing with a thunderous dunk. But Hiroshi responds with a mid-range jumper after faking his man out with a pump fake.

Coach Saito, watching the battle unfold, encourages his team to stay focused. He shouts instructions to his players, reminding them to box out and to communicate on defence.

Hiroshi then makes a clever play. As Yuki expects him to go for another screen, Hiroshi instead slips into an open space in the paint. Kazuki finds him with a bounce pass, and Hiroshi scores an easy layup.

However, Hoshioka Academy responds as their shooting guard hits a three-pointer. The scoreboard is tight.

As the game progresses, it becomes evident that this quarter is a clash between Hiroshi and Yuki, the titans of their respective teams.

With less than two minutes left, Hoshioka Academy is up by one point. Yumei High's possession: Hiroshi receives the ball at the top of the key. He fakes a handoff and drives to the basket, drawing a foul.

As he goes to the free-throw line, the crowd is a mix of cheers and jeers. Hiroshi takes a deep breath and sinks both free throws. Yumei High is now ahead.

Hoshioka's next possession, Yuki gets the ball in the paint. He tries to muscle his way through, but Daichi and Hiroshi double-team him. Yuki finds an open teammate who takes a shot but misses.

Hiroshi grabs the rebound and outlets it to Kazuki. Time is running out, and Yumei High needs to manage the clock wisely.

Kazuki dribbles up the court and passes to Hiroshi. As the defence collapses on him, Hiroshi makes a crucial decision. Instead of forcing a shot, he finds a wide-open Tetsuya on the perimeter. Tetsuya takes the three, and it's good!

The clock ticks down as Coach Saito beckons Haruki to enter the game. Haruki, still visibly troubled, pulls up his socks and checks in. The team members pat him on the back as he steps onto the court.

As the game resumes, the atmosphere is electric. Every move is accompanied by cheers and shouts from the crowd. Hiroshi and Yuki continue their duel, but now Haruki is in the mix. Though not fully himself, he hustles and tries to contribute defensively.

With less than a minute to go, Yuki scores a powerful layup, putting Hoshioka up by one. Yumei High takes possession. Haruki gets the ball at the top of the key.

He glances at the clock and then makes a move to drive to the basket. As defenders close in on him, he sees Hiroshi cutting to the hoop. With all his might, Haruki dishes the ball to Hiroshi, but it's higher and faster than usual.

Hiroshi, showing incredible athleticism, leaps and catches the ball mid-air. He's face to face with Yuki in the air. The crowd gasps.

With a thunderous roar, Hiroshi powers the ball through the hoop with Yuki right beside him. The crowd erupts.

As Hiroshi lands back on the floor, the buzzer sounds. Yumei High has won!

The gym is in pandemonium. The Yumei High players rush to Hiroshi and Haruki, hoisting them on their shoulders. Coach Saito and Ayumi are on the sidelines, clapping and cheering.

After the initial celebration, Yumei High players line up to shake hands with Hoshioka Academy. Hiroshi and Yuki share a few words and pat each other's back, acknowledging each other's incredible performance.

As Yumei High heads towards the locker room, they pass by a poster that shows the bracket for the tournament. They've come a long way, but there are still challenges ahead.

In the locker room, the team gathers around. They're happy but also aware that this game was a wake-up call. They cheer one last time before everyone starts to head out.

Haruki, who is still somewhat reserved, sits at his locker. Ayumi approaches him with a smile and says, "Great assist, Haruki!"

Haruki simply smiles back but doesn't say much. Hiroshi, who is passing by, pats Haruki on the back and says, "We did it, buddy."

The chapter closes as the team leaves the locker room, united and triumphant, grounded in the knowledge that the road ahead is long and full of challenges.