Chapter 17: Moments in First Half.

Shota dribbling the ball and he pass it inside the left post to Daichi, Daichi starts to back down Junji.

Daichi pass the ball back to Shota then Daichi runs towards Shota to set a screen, Shota rolls over screen. Daichi runs inside the paint, Shota pass it to Daichi.

Daichi gets the ball and dunks the ball.

SHOHOKU:34

WAKANAMIYA:33

1st Half 10:27

[DAICHI: Nice pass.]

[SHOTA: Let's do it one more time later.]

[DAICHI: Yeah.]

The Wakanamiya gets the ball back and Chie starts to run some play for them. The ball landed into the hands of Dai Goshi, Goshi dribble the ball and he attacked the left side.

[SHOTA: No you don't.]

But Shota closes the way for him, Goshi then steps back, Shota couldn't react in time to stop Goshi. Goshi shoots a left wing mid range jumper and made it.

[GOSHI: You're still early to stop me, first year.]

SHOHOKU: 34

WAKANAMIYA: 35

1st Half 9:59

Miyagi bringing the ball for Shohoku. This time, Chie didn't have to put pressure on Miyagi, that's why Miyagi capitalized this situation and attacks the paint, Miyagi met Ayumu and Junji, Miyagi pass the ball to Daichi.

Daichi pump fakes his shot, Junji fakes, Daichi one dribble and then jumps upwards to slam the ball down to the rim.

[AYUMU: DON'T LOOK DOWN ON ME!.]

Ayumu blocked the dunk attempt of Daichi, Junji gets the ball but it was stolen from him by Miyagi. Miyagi then pass it to Sakuragi, who were waiting for the perfect opportunity to score.

[SAKURAGI: Good decision, Ryo-chin!.]

Sakuragi fakes his shot, Ayumu jumps. Sakuragi dribble towards the basket, he jumps and Junji was waiting for him to block him, but Sakuragi overpowered him and slammed the ball with his right hand.

SHOHOKU: 36

WAKANAMIYA: 35

1st Half 9:33

Shohoku gets back on defense to prevent any scoring from Chie. Chie then pass the ball to Dai Goshi, Goshi pass it to Junji.

Junji attacks the right side then spins back to the left, he loses Daichi in the process. Junji about to score but Sakuragi blocks his shot.

The ball was free to grab, and two players from Wakanamiya runs towards the ball but Sakuragi bested them and grabs the ball first. He pass it to Miyagi, Miyagi runs down the floor and he spots Shota jogging towards the left mid center three point lane.

Miyagi pass the ball to him but Shota wasn't aware and was surprised when he saw the ball coming on to him fast.

He tries to get the ball but he was too late as the ball bounce out of the court.

[MIYAGI: Hey! Pay attention, freshman.]

[SHOTA: Yes sir.]

The first half of the match between Shohoku and Wakanamiya was pretty intense as both teams don't want to lose their momentum going forward in the second half, but due to Shohoku being more experienced than Wakanamiya.

They ended up leading 56 to 43. Kaede Rukawa was unstoppable and Sakuragi had total control of the defense. This two was the most important piece for Shohoku and if only one of them were to left the game? Shohoku is going to be in big trouble.

The first half ended with Shohoku taking the lead, at the locker room. The coach of Wakanamiya was convinced that they can beat the Shohoku and the reason was because the Shohoku's weakness is Sakuragi.