Regional Finals (4)
It was time for Yoshi to get back on the court. A much-needed change to get things back on track, mentally.
From Jun's point of view, the player who had the best mental fortitude was Yoshi, not counting him in. As such looking as Yoshi spoke to his teammates comfortably and reassuring them was a great sign.
Jun spent this little period before the 4th quarter started conserving as much energy as he could, composing himself. It all bottled down to him, it would be a ruthless last quarter for him but he wasn't going to back down.
The bell soon rang, and everyone moved to the court.
It was Higashigahara's possession, as such Jun was glued to Eiji who didn't seem particularly bothered. ''Are you sure you want to start this quarter like this? You'll run out of gas... Well, not that I mind.''
Eiji spoke as he began to pace around the court in search of a way to get the ball. Kibito players understood the assignment and began to press harder. The game was beyond the technical level, it was the heart that dictated the flow.
Faced with the defending immense pressure, the PG of Higashigahara released a clumsy pass toward Eiji, who tried to get the ball. But Jun had already predicted the pass and was a step ahead and stole the ball before his mark could touch it.
Jun then did a fast break, with Eiji right on his tail, close to the rim Jun jumped with the ball in his right hand, ready to make a lay-up, although Eiji trailed him and timed his jump perfectly seeking to block the ball. Jun was nimble with his hands and quickly shifted his gravity center, going under while shifting the ball to his left hand and making a reverse lay-up. (64-67)
''Yes! Let's go!'' Jun voiced as he got behind Eiji marking him without leaving him any space to even think.
What unfolded was a battle of wits for the next 5 minutes, Jun and Eiji were running around the court with everything they had, crossing each other to blocking each other. Surprisingly Jun was managing to contain the beast that was Eiji's attack prowess.
He had lost up until now in the 1 on 1 performance, Eiji had scored a whopping 52 points, while Jun only had 38 points. That is the difference although Jun did have a lot of assists to narrow this margin.
Jun was mind blown, everything Eiji was doing was really beyond the level of Junior high school.
Jun stared as Eiji winded up to shoot in the 3-point line, he jumped as high as he could to block but it was a fake, Eiji dribbled and rammed the ball inside the rim. (83-87)
Because of his efforts and the rest of the team which surprisingly were outdoing themselves, the gap didn't seem to be closing. Even with Jun managing to stop many of Eiji's attacks.
His legs, wobbling he had run out of gas a minute ago, and his speed had fallen. Yet he was gritting his teeth and continuing no matter how hard it was.
Jun didn't want to lose, and as soon as he got possession of the ball, Jun did a crossover took a fast step back, and immediately jumped a perfect textbook form, the graceful flick of his wrist as he did an arc swishing through the net. (86-87)
''Nice, 1 point let's keep pressing.'' Jun yelled out to his team holding his finger up.
Kibito players cheered as their momentum had risen from how messy the game was, they were giving it their all. Desperately getting the ball, they even committed fouls.
The game was closing down to the last 3-minute mark, Jun was defending Eiji who did a crossover and followed with a between the leg he then shifted his body to the right and drove through with speed. Jun didn't show any reaction which made Eiji smile.
'Seems it is over.' Eiji thought as he passed Jun.
Alas, Jun had other plans, as spun while he extended his right hand, touching the ball out of Eiji's control.
Jun picked himself off the ground and ran while holding one hand out to receive a pass he already knew was coming.
Eiji although surprised recovered quickly and chased closely to Jun, Jun got the ball while being close to Eiji. Jun did a between the legs, he threatened to burst through the right but he paused and swayed his body, and a crossover followed, and what unfolded was Eiji falling victim to his momentum as he fell to the ground.
Jun didn't linger on Eiji, as he made a midrange shot. With this, they had finally taken the lead. (93-92) Looking behind him Jun saw Eiji slowly getting up, Jun was getting ready to defend him, but what unfolded next made his eyes widen, Eiji took two steps and fell while holding his knee.
''Fuck!'' Eiji cursed, as he tried to get up.
The game came into a pause, as Higashigahara players and even the coach got close to Eiji whose eyes didn't leave the ball. They got him up yet, he couldn't hold himself.
Eiji was taken to the nurse's room and didn't come back. Jun scored 3 more baskets after and went out, he couldn't play any longer. Once the adrenaline had run out his legs lost strength as he sat on the bench, his legs trembling uncontrollably. The iron taste in his mouth as he gasped for air was the answer to his fatigue.
Kibito won the match 107-104. While Kibito players cheered, Higashigahara Municipal players had their heads down, some even crying. This was how emotionally invested players were.
Jun just sat on the bench not moving. ''Not celebrating?'' He heard a voice from behind him. As he stared behind him, Jun saw the familiar buzzcut youth who had given him so much trouble, being assisted by another player as he limped toward him.
Jun shook his head. ''I can't move.'' Jun said as he pointed to his shaking legs.
Eiji nodded he was serious and didn't smile, he was upset by what had happened. Close to Jun, he extended his hand. ''How it ended aside, you earned my respect Aozaki Jun.''
Jun was surprised by how mature Eiji was, faced with how he behaved and how self-centered his basketball was, but staring into the eyes of the youth Jun paused.
''Let's play again.'' Jun spoke as he shook Eiji's hand, the mutual understanding of two great players, Jun felt that the win was extremely lucky, while Eiji wasn't convinced about the loss.