Chapter 27: Unorthodox Strategies

The arena was pulsing with energy as the crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch. A sea of colours from banners and jerseys representing both schools created a kaleidoscope in the stands. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the round 5 match between Yumei High and Kagurazaka High!"

Yumei High players were lined up, ready to make their entrance. Haruki's fingers tapped rhythmically against his basketball, his eyes locked ahead. The spotlight swung over to the entrance as Yumei High was introduced. One by one, the players jogged onto the court, each of them receiving cheers from their supporters.

On the other side, Kagurazaka High players had a different demeanour. They stood enshrouded in shadows, not revealing much. There was an aura of mystique that seemed to surround them. The spotlight swung again as the announcer introduced Kagurazaka High. As they entered the court, the audience was almost in stunned silence, which was soon followed by an overwhelming uproar.

Coach Saito stood near the Yumei bench, squinting towards the Kagurazaka side. He locked eyes with the man he had heard so much about – Kagurazaka's legendary coach, Coach Otomo. They exchanged a nod, a mutual show of respect.

In the background, the commentator began providing details about the two schools. "For those who are unaware, Kagurazaka High has been absent from the basketball scene for many years. But with the return of Coach Otomo, who was considered a coaching prodigy, they've resurfaced, and how! We're all keen to see what he has in store for us today."

On the court, the players from both teams were engaged in their warm-ups. Ayumi was practising her layups while Hiroshi tried some three-point shots. On the other side, the Kagurazaka players moved with an almost synchronized precision, like a well-oiled machine.

Hana, Yumei's energetic supporter, was rallying the crowd, leading them in cheers and chants.

As the clock ticked down to the start of the match, Haruki and Hiroshi met at centre court. They exchanged a few words. Hiroshi's face was tense, while Haruki simply nodded.

Both teams then moved to their benches as the final pre-match formalities were being carried out. The Yumei players watched as Kagurazaka huddled around their coach, who was drawing something on a board. Even from afar, his intensity was palpable.

The referee's whistle blew, signalling for the captains of both teams to come forward. The air crackled with anticipation; the stage was set.

As the referee tossed the ball into the air for the tip-off, the arena roared. Kagurazaka High's centre effortlessly tipped the ball to their point guard, who quickly launched into a series of complex passes. The audience gasped as the Kagurazaka players moved as if they were dancing, effortlessly weaving through the Yumei defence to score the first basket.

It was apparent that Kagurazaka's tactics were unconventional. The players seemed to have positions, but they frequently swapped confounding Yumei's man-to-man defence.

Haruki, playing as a point guard, brought the ball up the court for Yumei High. He tried to set up a play but was instantly double-teamed. He passed to Ryota, the shooting guard, who was also heavily guarded. The ball eventually made its way to Hiroshi, who went for a hook shot but was blocked by a Kagurazaka player who seemed to come out of nowhere.

Kagurazaka went on the fast break, showcasing another bewildering play. Their passes were rapid and unpredictable, leaving Yumei High chasing shadows.

Tetsuya and Daichi, Yumei's small forward and power forward, tried to communicate through the din of the crowd, pointing and gesturing, but Kagurazaka's constant movement and rotations were disorienting.

On the sidelines, Coach Saito was watching intently, his eyes darting across the court as he attempted to decipher Kagurazaka's strategies.

During a break in play, Haruki approached Hiroshi. "We need to disrupt their rhythm," Haruki shouted over the noise.

Hiroshi nodded. "Yeah, but how?"

As the game resumes, the audience watches intently as Kagurazaka High's point guard takes control of the ball. What comes next is a series of passes that leave everyone, including Yumei High players, baffled. The Kagurazaka players execute no-look passes, behind-the-back throws, and even an unconventional alley-oop. The synergy between the Kagurazaka players seems almost telepathic, as if they know exactly where their teammates are without looking.

Yumei High's defence scrambles to keep up. Haruki tries to predict the opposing players' movements, but their unpredictable passing patterns make it almost impossible. Daichi attempts to close down the paint but finds himself pulled out of position by Kagurazaka's swift ball movement. Tetsuya and Ryota, usually sharp in intercepting passes, struggle to even get a hand on the ball.

Kagurazaka's crowd-pleasing plays continue with a fast break that involves the ball bouncing off the backboard only to be caught and dunked by their centre. The audience erupts into cheers at the spectacle.

On the offensive end, Yumei High tries to break through Kagurazaka's defence. Hiroshi, sets solid screens for Haruki and Ryota. Haruki attempts to penetrate the defence with his dribbling skills, but Kagurazaka responds by doubling up on him, forcing a turnover.

Coach Saito calls a timeout. As the Yumei High players gather around, Coach Saito encourages them to focus and adapt. Haruki suggests they play 2 - 3 zone defence and communicate more to predict the opponents' passes. They nod in agreement and head back onto the court.

The timeout seems to have a slight effect as Yumei High becomes more assertive in defence, but Kagurazaka's dazzling and unorthodox plays continue to dominate the first quarter.

As the second quarter begins, Haruki manages a steal and passes it to Tetsuya, who finishes with a layup. It's a small victory but a sign that Yumei High is beginning to adjust. However, Kagurazaka responds by switching their strategy again, this time employing even more baffling plays, including fake passes and underhand throws.

Yumei High began to adapt, with Haruki directing players on the fly. They managed to slow down Kagurazaka's offence somewhat but still found themselves trailing significantly at the end of the first quarter.

As the second quarter rolls on, the Yumei High team, visibly more focused, moves with increased intensity on the court. Haruki, with a newfound determination in his eyes, starts mirroring the movements of Kagurazaka's point guard. After a quick shuffle, he intercepts a pass and throws the ball ahead to Hiroshi, who dunks it powerfully, shaking the backboard. The Yumei High supporters erupt in cheers.

Feeling the momentum shift, Yumei High's defence becomes tighter. Ryota and Tetsuya are cutting passing lanes, and Daichi is battling in the post, denying easy access to the paint. The team seems to be clawing its way back into the game.

Suddenly, Kagurazaka High alters their strategy. They shift into a zone defence that seems impenetrable, with players occupying specific areas on the court and working together to shut down Yumei High's offence. Moreover, their offence changes to rapid ball movement, passing so swiftly that it's almost like they are toying with Yumei High.

Ryota attempts a three-pointer, but Kagurazaka's defence closes in on him, forcing a miss. Kagurazaka then proceeds with a lightning-fast counter, scoring an easy layup.

Hiroshi, making his way through the screens set by Daichi, finds a small opening and takes a mid-range shot, scoring another basket for Yumei High.

Kagurazaka's coach signals for a play, and their team responds with a perfectly executed alley-oop. The Kagurazaka supporters go wild.

As Yumei High is beginning to adapt, Haruki calls out for a play, signalling his players with a hand gesture. The players seem to understand as Ryota and Tetsuya take their positions on the wings while Daichi sets a solid screen for Haruki. With a burst of speed, Haruki maneuvers around Daichi's screen, drawing two defenders towards him. Just as the defence collapses, he fires a no-look pass to Tetsuya, who uses Hiroshi's screen on the left wing, to get to the corner. Who then drills the corner three.

Kagurazaka High's response is immediate. Their point guard, a nimble player with dazzling footwork, throws a behind-the-back pass to their centre, who is sprinting down the middle. He then delivers a touch pass to a teammate cutting from the baseline, resulting in an easy layup. The speed and precision of their passing are bewildering.

Not to be outdone, Hiroshi takes the initiative on the next possession. He starts backing down his defender in the post. When the double team arrives, he spins and fires a pass to Daichi at the top of the key, who then swings it to Ryota for an open three. Swish!

Kagurazaka switches up again. This time their point guard also gesturing a play using his hands. He starts dribbling towards the wing, then suddenly spins back and passes it to their shooting guard. Instead of catching the ball, the shooting guard tips it to their forward, who is cutting to the basket. The forward makes a quick jump stop and then makes a scoop pass to their centre for a thunderous dunk. It's like a ballet on the basketball court.

Towards the end of the quarter, Kagurazaka's point guard tries an audacious play - a half-court alley-oop. However, this time, Haruki reads it perfectly and leaps into the air to intercept the pass. With only seconds remaining, he throws a long pass to Tetsuya, who catches it and makes a buzzer-beater layup.

The atmosphere is electric as both teams have shown great skill and determination. The game is far from over, and Yumei High knows they have to dig deep to overcome the relentless strategies of Kagurazaka High.