The shrill sound of the referee's whistle cut through the tension in the air, signaling the end of the first half. The scoreboard glowed brightly, displaying the current score: 26-16 in favor of Seiryuu High.
Both teams slowly made their way to their respective sidelines, some players dragging their feet, others jogging lightly, but all wearing the same expression of exhaustion mixed with determination.
Sota wiped the sweat from his brow as he reached the bench, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to maintain their lead in the second half. He glanced at his teammates, who were catching their breath, some with hands on their knees, others gulping down water.
Then there were Kazuma and Daigo who were particularly spent, having given their all in the last few defensive drives.
