"Second years! Line up!" May shouted, her voice echoing across the gymnasium. The anticipation in the air was palpable as she added, "First years! Line up!" The two groups moved to their respective positions, forming a clear divide.
To the second years, the first-year students were largely unknown faces. There was only one familiar presence: Kevin, their Center, who had earned respect in the previous year. The rest of the second-year team included Kyojin, the Point Guard known for his quick decisions; Frey, their Power Forward, who excelled in strength; Guren, their Small Forward, agile and strategic; and Juren, the Shooting Guard, whose accuracy made him a reliable scorer.
On the opposite side, the first years stood nervously, each player feeling the weight of the moment. There was Shin, playing Shooting Guard, known for his sharpshooting skills; Kishi, the Point Guard, whose leadership would be tested; Jin, a Power Forward with a knack for agility; Xin, a Small Forward who thrived on passes; and Aizawa, the Center, whose height gave him an advantage under the basket.
The two teams faced each other and bowed, a gesture of respect before the competition began. "Let's have a good match!" May encouraged the team. With that, she tossed the ball into the air, signaling the start of the game.
Both Centers sprang into action, hands reaching out for the ball. Aizawa managed to secure it, quickly passing it to Jin. The first-year team immediately shifted into a slower tempo, aiming to relax and establish their rhythm. They exchanged quick passes as they moved cautiously against the second-year defense.
The second-year team set up in a 2-3 zone defense, their familiarity with one another evident as they communicated and adjusted their positions. The first years were slower to establish their offensive strategy. Shin received the ball and made a decisive move, passing it to Kishi. The Point Guard dribbled confidently, feinting to his left and then halting, momentarily confusing his defender. With a sharp flick of his wrist, Kishi passed it to Aizawa, who was positioned beneath the basket. Aizawa leaped, executing a perfect hook shot.
Score! The crowd cheered, the first years' spirits lifting with the successful play.
Renji sat on the bench, his eyes narrowed in concentration. He felt a twinge of dismay; he hadn't been included in the initial batch of players. However, he reminded himself of his previous experiences as a bench warmer, a role he had become accustomed to over time. 'This is better than being in a wheelchair,' he thought, trying to stay positive despite his frustration.
The second years quickly responded. Kevin seized the ball and launched a fast break, charging down the court with purpose. The first-year team scrambled to catch up, their defensive coordination still shaky. Kevin passed to their Point Guard, who initiated a layup. The ball swished through the net, a moment that left Renji in shock. The second-year team had established an impressive tempo and fluidity, applying pressure on the less cohesive first-year squad.
As the match progressed, Renji noted the first-year team's struggle with coordination. They needed to build trust and a deeper understanding of each other's playing styles if they were to succeed.
Kishi realized that to turn the game around, they needed a solid plan. He thought strategically about the fast breaks that the second-year team had been employing. If they relied on that tactic too often, their stamina would suffer. He focused on calming his teammates, urging them to play strategically and score more than their opponents.
Kishi suddenly dashed forward, drawing the defenders' attention. He dribbled skillfully until reaching the free-throw line, where he pivoted expertly to evade the defenders. With a quick glance, he passed to Xin outside, who then sent the ball to Shin. With precise shooting mechanics, Shin launched a three-pointer that arced beautifully through the air and swished through the hoop.
Three points! The score was now 2-5, and the first years erupted in cheers, newfound confidence bolstering their spirits.
The second years were quick to retaliate. Kevin again took charge, pushing the tempo. He maneuvered past defenders and passed to his Point Guard, who then set up for another three-pointer. As the ball left his hands, it soared high, landing neatly in the basket.
Tie! The scoreboard read 5-5, and the intensity of the match escalated.
The two teams continued to exchange three-point shots, Shin and Juren throw back to back threes. Soon the score was locked at 14-14. Xin and Aizawa found themselves gasping for air, fatigue creeping in. But Jin, undeterred, received a pass and drove aggressively against the defenders. He spotted Kevin guarding him and, with a powerful leap, executed a double-clutch dunk that electrified the crowd.
Panting heavily, Xin realized he needed a break. He was substituted for Renji, who stepped onto the court with renewed determination. The two exchanged a fist bump, and Renji offered encouragement. "That was a great play! Work on your stamina for next time," he advised.
Renji took over as Small Forward and called for a team huddle. "Alright, everyone! I'll try to replicate Xin's passing style. We need to develop our plays together—let's focus on building resonance."
Resonance–a vital role for the team play of the team. It was the connection of each of one's instincts towards each other and knowing what others were thinking were more easier. All of the plays became natural and scoring would become more fluid.
With a collective shout of "Go fight!" the team broke from their huddle and took their positions. Kishi dribbled the ball, leading them toward the enemy court, every player focused on their roles. He passed the ball to Renji, who quickly threw the ball near towards the hoop. His pass was of an Alley hoop. Near to the hands of Aizawa where Aizawa's side was. Aizawa, seeing the throw, his instincts immediately kicked in and his common sense was used to notice the initiate pass of Renji.
Aizawa, anticipating the play, leaped with fervor, catching the ball mid-air with one hand and slamming it down with a powerful force.
Bam! The gym fell momentarily silent as the impressive dunk reverberated. It was a move reminiscent of what Xin had executed earlier, and the crowd erupted in cheers once more.
"Hey Renji, what was that pass?" Aizawa exclaimed, excitement mixed with surprise. "You forced that one!"
"Sorry, sorry!" Renji replied, bowing slightly but unable to hide a smirk. He had successfully mirrored Xin's moves, which left Xin astonished.
"But, nice pass!" Aizawa shouted.
A realization struck him: he remembered a player renowned for his ability to mimic others' skills flawlessly.
"Wait, Renji? ....Is he the Renji of Kaito? The Genius Copycat?" Xin thought, intrigued by the implications of Renji's abilities and their potential impact on the game. His curiosity then was answered after he remembered Xin's abilities to copy. With a pass that forced Jin to Drive through the defenses, he immediately confirmed. "That was indeed my pass!"