First Match (1)

Warming up before the game, Jun looked around the gym, not many people could be seen in the stands. 

Meanwhile, both Kibito and Kamata West players could be seen warming up.

Jun then heard Yoshi asking everyone to gather. For some reason, people seemed quite intimidated by him, and although he had spent 3 weeks of training with the team, no one seemed to want to get close to him. Perhaps because of how unapproachable he was once he was during training. He would tell people to focus and to be serious all the time. 

But it did not matter. His strict behavior seemed to place the players in their place and they did take training more seriously as such it was worth it. 

''Okay kids, we are playing against Kamata West Junior High, they are a very good team from what my old friends told me. Don't be demoralized and have fun on the court.'' The elderly coach spoke slowly and made sure everyone heard. 

''Yes!!'' Every player voiced out, all but Jun who was frowning. 'What is this pre-game strategy?' Jun shook his head as he stared at two youngsters looking the same, with their short light brown hair. They were wearing their away jersey, a white jersey, with the sides being black, a very basic jersey. One twin was number 8 while the other was number 9. 

'From what Yoshi-senpai said Kamata West is strong because of the twins and their unique style of play, Sota and Shota was it?' Jun thought to himself. 

''The starting members will be, Tamo Yukio (8) as Center, Osawa Yoshi (4) as Point Guard, Shinsato Yoshiro (5) will play as Shooting Guard, Yanagihara (6) as Power Forward, and Aozaki Jun (7) as Small Forward.'' The line-up was said and it didn't come as a surprise. 2 players changed their roles in the game because of Jun's addition, but it was given. ''Now gather up and good luck.'' 

The players wearing their full black jerseys, did a circle. And Yukio as the captain proceeded to make a speech. ''Kibito on three. One two three.'' 

''Kibito!'' The players voiced out. 

Jun was excited about what was to come, his body was relaxed but his heart was beating fast and strong. Jun's face had a permanent smile. He had been waiting for this moment for years. Games were different than practice there were many things at stake and that is why it was so exciting. 

Jun jumped in place while waiting for the tip-off. 

The whistle sounded and the ball was thrown into the air. Both Yukio and his opponent jumped as high as they could, Yukio's obvious physical advantage gave him allowed him an easy tip-off. 

The ball went to Yoshi who grabbed the ball and began to dribble to the opponent's side. He began sizing up his opponent, and no progress was being made. 

Jun quickly moved toward the opponent PG, and did a screen much to Yoshi's amazement. Capitalizing on the opportunity, he dribbled behind Jun and delivered a solid Jump shot. (2-0)

''Well played,'' Jun said toward Yoshi who nodded. 

Kamata West didn't linger much on this, and quickly passed the ball toward one of the twins. Sota quickly dribbled in the direction of Jun who focused on the approaching opponent. 

The twin tried to pass by Jun who stood his ground, no matter what dribble he did Jun would follow him. 

''What the hell?'' Sota started to get annoyed, his eyes met with his brother who moved to aid setting a screen, attempting to stop Jun from following. Jun spun around the brother completely dodging the screen, and tipping the ball with his hand. 

''Huh?'' Both twins were confused, as they stared at Jun who did a fast break, there were only 2 players between him and the hoop. 

Jun calmly dribbled toward them, he moved slightly toward the right where the closest line was. Then once he deemed close enough he slowed himself and did a between-the-legs, but he then burst with speed spinning 180 and stopping and going back to the same position, this completely threw the opponent off balance as he fell backward. Jun exploited the gap he created between both players, he burst between them landing an easy lay-up. (4-0)

The opponent players who had been relaxed up until now, were petrified especially Kamata West's coach. ''Who is this kid?'' 

The game proceeded and Kamata West displayed why they were a strong team, their players although not otherworldly, had their fundamentals in place, were skilled and their teamwork was on point. 

Unfortunately for Kamata players, Yukio was dominating under the hoop, with him winning most of the rebounds. But even faced with such a one-sided advantage in rebounds Kibito didn't widen the gap by much, because the players did make a couple of mistakes which Kamata players did capitalize on. 

Jun although not making insane plays and playing more conservatively, was the strong point in the first quarter marking the end of the 1st quarter with Kibito leading the game (18-12). 

Within Kibito's bench, the players wore cheerful smiles as they chatted around about the game. 

Meanwhile, on the Kamata side of the bench, the coach was fuming. ''What are you guys doing in there? Outside of that number 7, they aren't much, why are you allowing the rest to make easy shots?'' 

The players held their heads down. ''Dictate your pace. Shota, Sota I want you both to double team the number 7, don't let him get through you. Anyway, force them in awkward positions and block their captain so he doesn't freely jump for the rebounds. They aren't good, you guys are way better than they are, so go get the lead.'' 

''Yes.'' The youngsters yelled with newfound fire. 

This marked the start of the 2nd quarter.