31 Birthday: Part 2

"For the next round, Kaen will be playing against Kotaro and Haru will be playing against Kiyoshi. Good luck." The coach said.

Nice, at least I won't be playing against Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi and Kotaro may both be considered uncrowned kings but at the moment it was quite clear that Kiyoshi was the better player. Well, height matters a lot in basketball, especially for players in our age group. I took a look at Kotaro's stats.

[Player: Kotaro Hayama Age: 14

Height: 25/100 (Projected height growth: 1.85 meters)

Close shot: (Level: 4)

Driving layup: (Level: 5)

Dunking: (Level: 1)

Post hook: (Level: 3)

Mid-range shot: (Level: 5)

Three-point shot: (Level: 2)

Free throw: (Level: 4)

Pass accuracy: (Level: 6)

Ball handle: (Level: 6)

Post control: (Level: 3)

Interior defense: (Level: 2)

Perimeter defense: (Level: 3)

Steals: (Level: 3)

Block: (Level: 2)

Rebounding: (Level: 3)

Speed: (Level: 5)

Strength: (Level: 3)

Vertical: (Level: 3)

(Level 1 refers to the ability of an average middle school player)

]

"Since its your birthday I'm gonna be kind and let you start." Kotaro said to me.

"Thanks but don't underestimate me." I replied.

Kotaro just smiled and passed me the ball. Okay take this easy and target his weak points I thought to myself. Kotaro was a skilled offensive player, he was proficient in the paint and could shoot pretty well from mid-range. The only downside to his playstyle was that he could not shoot threes.

Kotaro wasn't good on defense, he actually kinda sucked. Luckily the team had some pretty good defenders who could cover for him. He wasn't very athletic, he was fast but he was not strong nor did he have a high vertical. His stats would probably increase in his third year but I think I stood a good shot at him at the moment.

I dribbled to the right and Kotaro followed me, matching my pace. Suddenly, I threw the ball forward and burst towards the rim. Kotaro couldn't keep up with my speed and left me wide open for an easy lay in.

Oh yeah, just stay efficient and winning shouldn't be a problem.

I got the ball and went into a triple threat position. I jabbed to the right then spun on my pivot foot so my back was facing Kotaro. I then jabbed to the left which Kotaro fell for, seeing my opportunity, I spun back and pulled up for a quick jumper.

"Alright, I ain't slacking no more. You ain't gonna be scoring in the next possession." Kotaro said.

"Oh, you better work on your defense man cause it's feeling too easy right now." I said.

I then did a hard jab to the right and pulled up straight away for a three. I watched the ball fly through the air.

Come on, come on please go in, I thought to myself.

It seems like my wishes were heard cause the ball rattled through the hoop. "LEGGO!"

However, my confidence turned against me. Once I got the ball, I thought I was feeling it and pulled up for another three. However, this one bounced off the back rim and landed in the hands of Kotaro.

"You had the ball for too long, now let me show you how to truly play offense." Kotaro said with a serious face. I knew he wasn't joking and got into my defensive stance.

Kotaro pounded the ball and lunged towards the right. I through he was going to do a crossover to the left but I was wrong. He jabbed his foot and side stepped, shooting a sweet mid range jumper.

Focus Kaen, don't over react. Just concentrate on where the ball is. I thought to myself.

Kotaro got the ball and pounded the ball. I knew he was going to go into another one of his moves but I continued following the ball. His body was moving to the right but the ball was moving to his left. I knew he was going to go into a crossover and reached for the ball.

BOOM!

All I heard was this sound and the ball disappeared. Kotaro burst pass me and did a lay up.

Crap. I forgot how quick his handles were. He isn't an uncrowned king for nothing. They are still the second best players in their respective positions behind the generation of miracles. Ok how am I going to defend this. My reflexes aren't fast enough.

Wait reflexes? Should I get the quick reflexes now? I had recently gotten the daily missions level 3 badge and was soon going to get the level 4 one. Should I spend the point I have right now on my reflexes instead. My mind was telling me no but my heart was telling me yes. I'm a baller, what's the point of balling if I don't try to win. Screw it, imma upgrade my reflexes, I'll earn the point back in about 2 to 3 weeks.

I called out my system and did a quick purchase of the quick reflexes. I expected to feel something course through me but I felt nothing. Eh, did the upgrade even happen?

"Yo Kaen, you alright? What you doing spacing out for?" Kotaro asked as he waved his hand in front of my face.

"Oh nothing. I was just thinking that with your offensive skills, combined with the abilities of the rest of the team, winning the championship this year shouldn't be a problem." I replied.

" Well obviously, Yukio ain't going to be graduating without that trophy in his hands. Well screw the small talk, we got a 1v1 to continue." Kotaro said with a grin.

I got into my defensive stance and Kotaro started dribbling. I focused on the ball and realized it was travelling slower than before. Did Kotaro usually dribble this slowly? Kotaro then got into position for a crossover and started bringing the ball to his right.

Usually, the ball was vanish but this round was different. This round I could see the ball and it was right in front of me. I reached out and poked the ball, I then ran after it and gained control of the ball. Kotaro was stunned, and could not react in time for defense. I just pulled up for an open three which I knocked down with ease.

I grinned and knew it was over. I was definitely going to win.

Beep* The coach blew his whistle.

"Ok so Kaen has beaten Kotaro 11-6 while Kiyoshi has beaten Haru 11-3, we will take a quick water break and then the finals will begin, good luck."

Yukio slapped me on the back:" That's our super rookie for you. I knew you could do it, you didn't let me down!"

"Yeah he got me good. I couldn't defend him at all." Kotaro added.

"Nah your defense is just trash." Haru said.

Well, I'm gonna be at least second place on this team. This means something, it has quashed anybody's frustrations about a first year being a starter. But now I gotta go against the best player here, I just pray I put up a fight.

______

power stones right now.