Second Round: Seirin High vs. Jitsuzen High
The victory against Shinkyō Academy had bolstered Seirin High's confidence, but there was no time to rest on their laurels. The next challenge awaited them in the second round of the Inter-High preliminaries—Jitsuzen High. As the team gathered in the locker room, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and focused determination.
"Alright, team. We've made a strong start, but Jitsuzen High is our next obstacle. They've got some skilled players, but we have the depth and teamwork to overcome them. Play smart, play hard, and support each other out there."
The team responded with a unified cheer, ready to take on their next opponents. Toshiro felt a surge of excitement, knowing that each game was a step closer to their ultimate goal.
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As the game began, it was clear that Seirin High was prepared to dominate. The first quarter saw a strong showing from Seirin's seniors, who led by example with their skill and experience.
Izuki executed a brilliant steal, intercepting a pass and swiftly passing the ball to Mitobe. Mitobe, with his silent but powerful presence, made a quick move to score a layup, putting Seirin on the board early.
The seniors' leadership set the tone for the game. Koganei and Tsuchida worked tirelessly on defense, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds, while Hyūga's sharp shooting racked up points from beyond the arc.
"Our seniors are really stepping up. Let's keep this momentum going." said Toshiro to himself.
As the game progressed, Seirin's teamwork and strategy began to wear down Jitsuzen High. Toshiro and Kuroko's coordination was on full display, with Kuroko's misdirection and precise passes creating numerous scoring opportunities.
"Here, Kagami! Let's go!" said Toshiro while on a fast break.
"Leave it to me!"
Kagami received the pass and launched into a powerful dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The scoreboard continued to tilt heavily in Seirin's favor, but Jitsuzen High refused to back down, fighting hard to keep up.
The third quarter saw Seirin pulling even further ahead. Hyūga's three-pointers were on fire, each shot bringing them closer to victory. Izuki's eagle eye allowed him to read the court perfectly, setting up plays that left Jitsuzen's defense scrambling.
With a commanding lead, Seirin's players continued to push their limits. Toshiro used his Phantom Mirage sparingly but effectively, creating openings that allowed his teammates to score effortlessly.
As the final quarter began, Seirin's dominance was undeniable. The crowd cheered with every play, their energy fueling the team's drive. The scoreboard showed a widening gap, with Seirin leading 98 to 45.
In the final minutes, Toshiro executed a flawless Phantom Mirage, leaving his defender lost and setting up a perfect alley-oop for Kagami, who slammed it home with authority. The gym erupted in cheers"
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With the clock winding down, Seirin maintained their lead, and the players started to savor their impending victory. Hyūga took a moment to organize the team for a final play.
"Let's run our signature play. Everyone knows their roles. This is our statement to the rest of the tournament."
The team nodded in agreement, the adrenaline pumping through their veins. As the ball was inbounded, Izuki dribbled down the court, his eyes scanning the floor with precision. Toshiro moved with stealth, his Phantom Mirage technique making him almost invisible to the defenders.
"Perfect timing..."
Izuki passed the ball to Kuroko, who immediately executed a no-look pass to Toshiro. Toshiro, now in the perfect position, faked a shot, drawing two defenders towards him. With a quick pivot, he passed the ball to Hyūga, who was wide open at the three-point line.
Hyūga released the ball with perfect form, the arc flawless. The ball swished through the net, adding three more points to Seirin's already impressive lead. The crowd erupted in cheers, the energy in the gym reaching its peak.
As the final seconds ticked away, Seirin's players could hardly contain their excitement. The buzzer sounded, and the scoreboard displayed the final score: Seirin High 118, Jitsuzen High 51. The team erupted in celebration, their hard work and determination paying off.
"Well done, everyone. This is what teamwork and dedication look like. Let's keep this momentum going as we move forward in the tournament."
Toshiro felt a surge of pride and excitement as he looked at his teammates. They had faced another challenge and emerged victorious. The road ahead would be tough, but with their skills and determination, Toshiro knew they could go far.
As they left the court, Toshiro couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next game. The Inter-High preliminaries were heating up, and Seirin High was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. This victory was another step on their journey to greatness.