The substitutes of Tohoku finally saw the clock tick down, marking the end of what could only be described as the most exhausting garbage time they had ever experienced. The unrelenting pressure from Ryonan's substitutes ensured that every second on the court felt like a trial. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard displayed an unthinkable result: 132:12 in favor of Ryonan.
The Ryonan players, elated by their victory, celebrated briefly before being swarmed by reporters eager for post-game interviews. However, it quickly became apparent that most of the media attention was focused solely on Kenichi Uesugi and Sendoh. Even Uozumi, the team captain, was overshadowed by the popularity of his teammates.
"What's wrong with these reporters?" Ikegami grumbled, visibly annoyed. "Basketball is about skill, not about who's the most handsome!"
"That's true!" another player chimed in, agreeing wholeheartedly.
"But can we beat them in skill?" Yokichi quipped, earning him glares from everyone around him.
Meanwhile, during his interview, Coach Tanaka made a point of addressing the provocative comments made by Tohoku's players before the game. His words were sharp yet composed:
"On the basketball court, no matter how strong or weak you are, as long as you don't respect your opponent, you're not worthy of being called a true basketball player."
The statement drew applause from the gathered crowd, further cementing Ryonan's reputation as a disciplined and formidable team.
On the other end of the court, Kenichi Uesugi and Sendoh were asked about their confidence regarding Ryonan's chances in the national competition. Without hesitation, they responded in unison, "Absolutely!" Their conviction electrified the atmosphere and left no doubt about their ambitions.
After the interviews, the Ryonan players returned to their locker room to change but decided to stay behind to watch another crucial game: Shohoku versus Shoyo. With the final four teams of the county competition already determined—Hainan, Buri, and now Ryonan—only one spot remained. Both Shohoku and Shoyo were strong teams, and Coach Tanaka wasn't about to miss the chance to observe potential rivals.
By the time Ryonan arrived at the court, the game had already begun. Shohoku, however, was trailing.
"Why does Shohoku always start off so slow?" Uozumi muttered.
"This isn't a slow start," Coach Tanaka corrected him. "Shoyo's starting lineup is tall and experienced. Shohoku just isn't used to it yet. It'll depend on how Coach Anzai adjusts his strategy."
Sure enough, after a timeout, Coach Anzai made his move, sending Sakuragi into the paint to assist Akagi. This adjustment eased Shohoku's defensive burden and allowed them to regain their rhythm. Slowly but surely, the game became a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points.
In the stands, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit watched the game intently. His composed demeanor was interrupted by a familiar voice behind him.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Maki. Feeling the pressure?"
It was Sendoh, who casually approached the Hainan captain.
Maki didn't respond to the jab directly. Instead, he remarked, "I heard you crushed Tohoku. Seems like Ryonan's in good form."
Sendoh grinned. "We are. What about you? Who do you think will win this game?"
"It doesn't matter," Maki replied with confidence. "Hainan's the champion of Kanagawa this year—end of story."
Unfazed, Sendoh chuckled. "I've heard Shohoku has two exceptional rookies. Don't underestimate them. They might give you a run for your money."
Maki smirked but stayed silent. Instead, he shifted the topic. "What about Kenichi Uesugi? The magazines are hyping him up like he's some basketball prodigy."
Sendoh paused for a moment, then replied, "I've played against him, and it ended in a tie." He began to walk away but turned back to add, "But if I went all out, I wouldn't stand a chance. Neither would you."
Maki's usual composure faltered for a split second. Sendoh's words struck a nerve. As a two-time MVP of Kanagawa, Maki had supreme confidence in his abilities. But for Sendoh—his well-known rival—to admit inferiority to Kenichi Uesugi was a startling revelation.
"Kenichi Uesugi," Maki muttered to himself. "A super rookie, huh? Let's see if you live up to the hype."
Meanwhile, on the court, the game had intensified. Shohoku, led by Akagi and Rukawa, managed to take a small lead in the second half. But Shoyo wasn't backing down. Their coach and captain, Fujima, finally entered the game, injecting a burst of energy and strategy into Shoyo's offense.
The battle was fierce, with both teams pushing their limits. Every possession felt critical, and the players left everything on the court. In the final moments, with the scores neck and neck, Rukawa delivered a clutch shot to give Shohoku the lead. Their defense held strong in the last possession, securing a hard-fought victory.
Shohoku had claimed the final spot in the county competition finals. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the thrilling end to an intense match. In the stands, Coach Tanaka took mental notes, already strategizing for the battles ahead.
As Ryonan's players filed out of the arena, Sendoh couldn't help but smile. The road to the national competition was shaping up to be more exciting—and challenging—than ever before.