Finals: Seirin High vs Shūtoku High
The air was thick with anticipation as Seirin High prepared to face Shūtoku High in the finals of the Inter-High preliminaries. This was more than just a game; it was a rematch, a chance for redemption from their crushing defeat the previous year, where Seirin had lost 45 to 141. The stakes were higher now, and the pressure was palpable. Among the many talented players, one stood out: Shintarō Midorima, a member of the Generation of Miracles, known for his impeccable three-point shooting and his peculiar habit of bringing lucky items to games. Today, he carried a large, stuffed teddy bear.
As the teams took to the court, the tension was electric. Both teams were determined, their eyes reflecting a fierce resolve. Coach Riko Aida gathered the Seirin team for a final pep talk.
"This is it. We've come a long way, and now it's time to show Shūtoku what we're made of. Play smart, play hard, and remember, we are stronger together."
"Let's crush them! We owe them for last year!"
The starting lineup for Seirin took to the court: Toshiro, Kuroko, Kagami, Hyūga, and Izuki. On the opposing side, Shūtoku's players stood tall, with Midorima at the forefront, his green hair and stern expression exuding confidence. He held his lucky item, a small frog ornament, tightly in his hand.
The game tipped off with an intensity that was palpable. Kagami and Midorima squared off for the tip-off, and Kagami's sheer athleticism won Seirin the ball. They quickly moved into their offensive setup.
Toshiro's heart pounding with anticipation. He dribbled the ball down the court, weaving through defenders with a combination of speed and misdirection. Passing the ball to Hyūga, he set up a screen that allowed Hyūga to make a clean shot from beyond the arc.
Shūtoku retaliated quickly. Midorima, with his near-perfect shooting form, drained a three-pointer from the half-court line, much to the amazement of the crowd.
"Damn, his shooting range is insane. " said Toshiro in awe.
The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets, neither gaining a significant lead. Seirin's defense tightened, with Hyūga and Izuki working tirelessly to limit Midorima's scoring opportunities. On offense, Kuroko's misdirection and Toshiro's Phantom Mirage kept creating openings, allowing Seirin to stay in the game.
With just minutes left in the second quarter, Seirin executed a flawless fast break. Kuroko intercepted a pass and immediately launched the ball down the court to Toshiro. Using his Phantom Mirage, Toshiro appeared to split into two, confusing the defenders. He passed to Hyūga, who drained a crucial three-pointer.
As the third quarter began, the score was 68-65 in favor of Shūtoku. The tension in the gym was palpable, with fans from both sides cheering loudly for their teams. The players' faces were set with determination, knowing that every possession could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Seirin ramped up their defense, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Kuroko's no look passes and Kagami's explosive plays kept the pressure on Shūtoku. Midorima continued to score from long range, but Seirin managed to keep the game within reach.