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The KCU Stadium was a sea of red, orange, and white as the Kibou City Firefoxes took to the court. Feet stomped on the court... dum, dum, dum, dum!
Energy was electric. So electric that the fans could feel it, there was a mad buzz in the air, a buzz of excitement, cheers, deafening roars, chants and cries!
And then came the Mainport Mavericks, clad in their dark blue and silver. They stood across from the foxes, and in their eyes, they were ready to battle.
This wasn't just a game — it was a war.
♪♪I can travel through the seven seas if Jefferson... Jefferson... was my captain through the seven seas! I trust in Jefferson! ♪♪
The chants of the Firefoxes' team captain sang through the air, arms were raised with his number in cardboards, his pictures on posters. And when they were done with Jefferson, they sang for Chums.
They stomped their feet together with the harmony of the song. The entire stadium was filled with energy and unity!
♪♪Here he comes! Dum dum dum! Here he comes! Dum dum dum! Like a lightning with a ball! Dum dum dum! My father told me of Charles the First, I'll tell my kids of Charles the Second! ♪♪
They erupted into cheers and applauses after that, celebrating how united they were.
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"Alright, huddle up and listen," Coach Tanaka barked, gathering the foxes together. The players leaned in, forming a tight circle around him.
"Remember the first rule; don't let O'Reilly shoot. This game came a little too close to an injury problem, but we've trained hard enough for this, haven't we?".
"Yes we have, Coach!" Jefferson's voice boomed.
"Yes, Coach!" Alex echoed.
Coach Tanaka nodded his head, "Good. Now you all stick to the game plan, play smart, and most importantly, play as a team. Remember, this isn't just about one quarter; it's about maintaining intensity through all four. We have to get back on a winning streak! The table is only getting tougher."
Jefferson looked over his broad shoulders at the Mavericks who were already done with their huddle talk. "It seems like they're going to play the direct, attacking game! O'Reilly is going to shoot any chance he gets."
Chums grimaced resolutely. "Not when I'm there to stop him."
"Good, Chums! Good!" Coach Tanaka fisted his open palm. "That's the kind of spirit I want! Now go out there and show them the heat that Firefoxes bring. No hesitation, no fear. Just play our game!"
"What are we bringing to the court?!" Jefferson thundered.
"Heat!" came the thunderous response.
"What are we bringing to the game?!"
"Heat!"
"All in three!" He placed his hand in the center, and everyone joined in, their hands stacked together. "One... two..."
"Heat!"
They broke the huddle and marched into court, slowly beginning to take their positions. But the crowd was not down yet.
As they arranged themselves, the starting lineup was announced over the loudspeakers, each name greeted by a chant of "Heat!" from the crowd.
Jefferson at center. "Heat!"
Chums at power forward. "Heat!"
Alex at point guard. "Heat!"
Mishima at small forward. "Heat!"
and Hilton filling in as shooting guard. "Heat!"
The Mavericks watched silently as the Firefoxes stalked in all their positions, readying themselves for the battle. And in the background, the crowd of Firefox fans kept chanting relentlessly:
"Heat! Heat! Heat! Heat! Heat!!!"
The referee stepped into the center of the court, the ball held high above his head, ready for the jump ball.
The arena instantly quieted, and the air remained thick, but now with tension. Players from both sides crouched low, their eyes locked on the ball.
Chums didn't remove his piercing gaze that he was known for from O'Reilly, and Alex licked his reddish lips with anticipation.
Eyes narrowed, breaths heaved and... blare!
The referee's whistle pierced the silence, and with a quick movement of his wrist, he tossed the orange ball into the air.
Jefferson and Kiwasaki, the center of the Mavericks leaped, their arms outstretched in the air, legs high above the ground.
The gods of basketball froze time and the two were suspended in suspense, straining to tip in the ball in their team's direction.
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