While Mitsui Hisashi's two three-pointers shocked many people, the key players of the Sannoh team were not significantly affected.
It's only a 4-point deficit; for the Sannoh team, which stands at the top of high school basketball in the country, they can catch up in no time.
At that moment, the basketball came into the hands of Eiji Sawakita.
Rukawa Kaede rushed up to defend Sawakita Eiji immediately.
These two players are Sannoh's super ace and Shohoku's top scorer.
Countless people are eagerly anticipating a showdown between these two individuals.
In an instant, the entire stadium erupted in extremely enthusiastic cheers.
"Is it coming?" Jun Uozumi exclaimed in surprise, then looked at Akira Sendoh and asked, "Sendoh, do you think Kaede Rukawa can defeat Eiji Sawakita?"
Sendoh Akira smiled faintly and said, "We'll only know after we fight!"
Yes! Whether we can win or not, we'll only know after we fight!
At this moment, Rukawa Kaede lowered his body, ready for battle.
Sawakita Eiji's lips curled up, his face full of fighting spirit!
But just then!
"Zebei! Over here!"
A voice interrupted Eiji Sawakita's offensive rhythm.
Fukatsu Kazunari used his body to firmly trap Miyagi Ryota behind him, and called for the ball from Sawakita Eiji.
It has to be said that at this moment, Kazunari Fukatsu fully utilized his height and weight advantages. He positioned himself very well, and Ryota Miyagi was completely unable to block him.
As the super ace of the Sannoh team, Eiji Sawakita knew that opportunities are fleeting, so he did not hesitate and decisively passed the ball to Kazunari Fukatsu.
Kazunari Fukatsu caught the basketball steadily.
Immediately afterwards, Kazunari Fukatsu executed a spectacular back-to-the-basket spin move.
Backstab!
Using his height and weight advantage, he forcefully rammed into Miyagi Ryota!
Turn around immediately!
Take off with the momentum!
Kazunari Fukatsu's moves left Ryota Miyagi completely helpless!
"Ugh! How awful!"
Ryota Miyagi roared in frustration, still jumping up hastily, but he knew in his heart that he couldn't stop the ball.
But just then, a voice made Miyagi Ryota feel instantly at ease.
"Don't even think about it!"
It's Takenori Akagi's voice!
Ryota Miyagi felt Takenori Akagi leap up from behind him to block Kazunari Fukatsu's shot.
"Trying to use your height advantage to overpower Miyagi under the basket? You'd better ask me if I agree!!!"
Akagi Takenori's powerful voice instantly moved Miyagi Ryota deeply!
With Akagi around, Fukatsu Kazunari won't have an easy time scoring this ball!
Akagi Takenori's defensive move was spot-on, completely blocking Fukatsu Kazunari's shooting route.
But Fukatsu Kazunari's face remained expressionless, because everything was going according to plan!
At this crucial moment, Kazunari Fukatsu demonstrated his powerful hang time and calm judgment, and he quickly passed the basketball to Masashi Kawata under the basket!
"Huh! What?"
Akagi Takenori was startled! His defensive move had caused him to miss his chance to defend Kawata Masashi.
Masashi Kawada!
Under the basket!
Empty seat!
Catch!
After receiving the basketball, Masashi Kawata immediately jumped and shot, and the basketball was steadily passed into the hoop.
The Sannoh team then closed the gap to two points.
The score between Shohoku and Sannoh became 8-6.
In the stands, Kiyota Nobunaga exclaimed in astonishment, "As expected of the Sannoh team, the three-time national champions! Their teamwork just now was truly excellent!"
Maki Shinichi nodded and said, "That's right! Fukatsu Kazunari organized that shot very well!"
"Akagi missed someone!" Jun Uozumi exclaimed, but he also knew that in that situation, Takenori Akagi would definitely have to rush up to help Ryota Miyagi defend against Kazunari Fukatsu.
This is Kazunari Fukatsu's open scheme.
Are you coming or not, Akagi Takenori?
If it comes, okay, I'll pass the ball!
Not coming? If you're not coming, I'll just overpower Miyagi Ryota under the basket!
During the serve, Sakuragi Hanamichi encouraged Miyagi Ryota, saying, "Ryota, don't worry, you have your strengths!"
Ryota Miyagi smiled broadly and replied, "Hanamichi! Don't worry! I'm not afraid of him!"
Having played so many games, Ryota Miyagi has encountered countless point guards who are taller and stronger than him.
So what?
He still fought his way through, didn't he?
Shohoku team still won!
What's there to be afraid of!
When Little Whirlwind Miyagi Ryota gets going, he's a force to be reckoned with!
At this moment, the Shohoku team launched an attack.
The basketball soon ended up in Mitsui Hisashi's hands again.
"What? It's him again?"
"Look! It's Mitsui Hisashi again!"
"Wow! No way? He's made both of his shots already!"
"Are you going to shoot another three-pointer?"
Is he really that strong?
The defender guarding Mitsui Hisashi was Ichinokura Satoshi, a nationally renowned defensive expert.
Mitsui Hisashi's two successful shots had already put Ichinokura Satoshi on his toes.
Seeing the basketball pass back to Mitsui Hisashi, Ichinokura Satoshi's eyes hardened, and he confidently declared, "You Shohoku team underestimate me! This time, I won't give him another comfortable scoring opportunity!"
As soon as Mitsui Hisashi got the basketball, Ichinokura Satoshi quickly swarmed over.
Wow! Sannoh's number 8 player is playing really hard on defense!
"Yes! It's stuck very tightly!"
"Mitsui is in a difficult position to make a move this time!"
"Shohoku's style of play is too obvious! Sannoh will definitely have to defend Mitsui Hisashi!"
"Yes! Faced with Ichinokura Satoshi's close defense, Mitsui Hisashi had almost no chance to shoot!"
At that moment, everyone thought that Mitsui Hisashi was definitely going to pass the ball.
Forcing a shot is definitely not a wise choice.
After all, the opponent was sticking too close.
Moreover, there is still plenty of time and opportunity, so there is no need to rush to make a move. You can pass the ball back to your teammates first, and then look for some safer opportunities to make a shot.
Not only do most viewers think this way, but many players on the field also think this way.
At least Ichinokura Satoshi believed his defense was very successful, and he confidently said, "This time, you won't get a chance to score!"
Mitsui Hisashi made a protective dribbling motion, raised an eyebrow, and smiled, asking in return, "Oh? Is that so?"
The next moment, Mitsui Hisashi jumped!
Satoshi Ichinokura said incredulously, "You actually dared to make a move? You're overthinking it!"
Ichinokura Satoshi leaped into the air, his foot landing perfectly on the rim, and blocked Mitsui Hisashi's shot.
Satoshi Ichinokura truly lives up to his reputation as a nationally renowned defensive expert! His defense was spot-on. Although he didn't manage to swat the ball away from Hisashi Mitsui, his defensive move effectively disrupted the shot.
It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Mitsui Hisashi's move this time was very reluctant.
Sannoh's coach, Domoto, praised, "Ichinokura! Well done! That's it!"
Coach Taoka of the Ryonan team sighed, "Sigh! Mitsui is still too young! Too impulsive! How could he shoot like that? That shot is definitely not going in! Sigh, this young man needs to work on his mentality..."
Aida Hikoichi, a player who was standing on the sidelines, said, "That shot was very difficult to score. Now it all comes down to the rebound!"
At this moment, Takenori Akagi!
Masashi Kawada!
Sakuragi Hanamichi!
Nobe Masahiro!
Four burly men were locked in close combat under the basket, pushing and shoving each other to vie for territory and preparing to grab the rebound.
"Go for the rebound!"
"Go for the rebound!"
"Grab it while you can!"
"Rob..."
"Oh my god! It's in?"
"It's in!"
"Wow!"
"This is okay?"
"Three-pointer?"
In an instant, the entire venue erupted in chaos!
Everyone looked shocked!
Because, when everyone thought the ball definitely wouldn't go in.
With everyone believing that Ichinokura Satoshi had made a successful defensive play, it was time to grab the rebound.
The basketball went in!!!
Mitsui Hisashi successfully shot the basketball!
Another three-pointer!
A third three-pointer in a row!
Mitsui Hisashi!
Three shots!
Third Middle School!
"My God! Who exactly is that player number 14?"
"That's incredible! He hit three three-pointers in a row! This is the National Tournament! And the opponent is Sannoh Industrial, the three-time national champion! Who is that number 14?"
"Player number 14! I need all his information within one minute!"
"Such a talented player, I've never even heard of him before! It's incredible!"
"Mitsui Hisashi! Shohoku High School, third year, height..."
The brothers of the Shohoku delinquent gang were all in tears, shouting Mitsui Hisashi's name, "Mitsui Hisashi! Mitsui Hisashi! Mitsui Hisashi! He is the Flame Man Mitsui Hisashi! He is the Mitsui Hisashi who never gives up!"
Everyone on the Shohoku team's bench jumped up and let out a hysterical roar!
"Mitsui! Well done!"
"Mitsui-senpai! He's so handsome!"
"Mitsui-senpai! Mitsui-senpai!!!"
Even Coach Anzai, who was as composed as a mountain, showed a shocked expression at this moment. Of course, he believed in Mitsui Hisashi's strength, and he knew that Mitsui Hisashi was capable of doing it, but this was, after all, the final of the national tournament!
When Coach Anzai saw Mitsui Hisashi make all three of his shots, hitting three three-pointers in a row, he couldn't hide his joy. This was exactly how his student who never gave up should do!
Coach Domoto of Sannoh Industrial suddenly stood up, saying incredulously, "That Mitsui Hisashi! Is he really that confident in his three-point shooting ability? In that situation just now, a normal person would never force a shot! But he didn't hesitate at all, and decisively shot after getting the ball! He's far too confident in himself..."
confidence!
This is everyone's opinion of Mitsui Hisashi right now!
So what if there's a two-year gap?
When he returns as king, all of you shall hear the dragon's roar!
"Everyone, get back to defense!"
Mitsui Hisashi took the initiative to direct the Shohoku team to retreat on defense.
This scene left Kogure Kiminobu in the Shohoku team's rest area stunned. Back when Mitsui Hisashi first joined the Shohoku team, everyone was a first-year student. At that time, Mitsui Hisashi was a star player, and this was how he directed everyone!
Looking at Mitsui Hisashi, whose eyes shone with confidence, Kogure Kiminobu was moved to tears. "Mitsui! This is the Mitsui I knew back then!"
While following Mitsui Hisashi's instructions, Akagi Takenori chuckled softly, "That kid!"
Sakuragi Hanamichi was naturally the happiest person, and he cheerfully shouted, "Back up! Back up! Everyone, back up! Rukawa Kaede, I'm talking to you! What are you looking at?"
Rukawa rolled his eyes at Sakuragi Hanamichi, too lazy to pay him any attention.
Clearly, Sakuragi Hanamichi was deliberately making fun of Rukawa Kaede, seemingly in response to Rukawa Kaede not giving him a high-five at the beginning of the game.
Rukawa Kaede couldn't be bothered with Sakuragi Hanamichi's childish games.
Looking at the triumphant Mitsui Hisashi, Ichinokura Satoshi fell into deep thought: "I'm sticking to him so closely, and he can still make the shot! Is it because I'm not putting enough pressure on him?"
Ichinokura Satoshi frowned slightly and continued to ponder, "Could it be because of the huge height difference between us? That's why he was so confident and dared to make a move so easily?"
Finally, Ichinokura Satoshi's gaze hardened, and he said, "Then wait! I will absolutely not give you any more chances!"
In the stands, Aida Hikoichi reminded him, "Uh, Coach, that shot, Mitsui, he made it!"
Coach Taoka's face darkened, and he cursed inwardly, "Am I blind? Huh? Can't I see? Huh? Do I need you to remind me?"
Coach Taoka then cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "Yes! Mitsui! He is indeed very good!"
"But Coach, you just said he was too impulsive... Ah!"
Before Aida Hiko could finish speaking, Coach Taoka gave him a sharp flick on the forehead!
Coach Taoka cursed, "You brat! Let me finish what I have to say!"
Aida Hikoichi grimaced in pain, but dared not argue back.
Coach Taoka analyzed seriously, "Mitsui! He is indeed very good! But he should never have forced that shot! I think it's because of his dissolute lifestyle over the past two years that he is eager to show himself on the basketball court again! Or rather, he regrets his past, so it has inspired him to forcefully pursue perfection to make up for the past!"
At this moment, the Sannoh team scored a 2-point basket.
The score between Shohoku and Sannoh became 11-8.
Coach Taoka said, "Just watch this time! If Mitsui gets the ball again, he'll definitely force a shot like before. But Ichinokura Satoshi's defense is legendary; everyone could see his defensive prowess just now. So, if Mitsui forces a shot again this time, he's probably in for a rough time..."
Coach Taoka's analysis made Hikoichi Aida nod repeatedly.
As expected, the basketball was passed to Mitsui Hisashi again.
"Wow! Ichinokura Satoshi's defense is noticeably tighter this time!"
"But Mitsui still isn't going to pass the ball!"
"Oh my god! Is Mitsui going to shoot a three-pointer again?"
"No way? That's incredible!"
"Under this defensive situation, does he still have a chance to shoot?"
It must be said that Ichinokura Satoshi, a nationally renowned defensive expert, delivered a truly outstanding defensive performance this time, with his defensive level clearly improved by a notch compared to before!
The improvement in defensive level is visible to the naked eye!
This time, Ichinokura Satoshi did not provoke him with words, but simply focused on defense.
Mitsui Hisashi then complained, "You're so sticky! You're like a piece of chewing gum!"
Satoshi Ichinokura did not respond, because he absolutely could not afford any mistakes this time. He absolutely could not let Hisashi Mitsui score this shot again!
Just when everyone assumed that Mitsui Hisashi was going to shoot another three-pointer, he suddenly lowered his body, accelerated in an instant, and rushed past Ichinokura Satoshi from the left!
"Huh? What?" Ichinokura Satoshi was utterly shocked. "He actually chose to dribble past his opponent?"
"My God! Isn't he a sharpshooter with three-pointers? Why is he dribbling inside?"
"No way? Is he planning to go for a layup this time?"
"My God! Is he an all-rounder?"
"Just who is this monstrous talent? I feel like he's even overshadowed by Sawakita Eiji and Rukawa Kaede?"
Just as everyone was in shock, Mitsui Hisashi had already driven the basketball to the basket!
"So arrogant?"
Seeing that Mitsui Hisashi had already jumped, Kawata Masashi stepped forward and blocked Mitsui's path, raising his hands high to block Mitsui's shot route.
In that instant of close combat!
Mitsui Hisashi made the best choice in an instant!
Pass the ball!
That's right!
Mitsui Hisashi didn't directly confront Kawata Masashi; instead, he passed the ball to Akagi Takenori under the basket!
This scene is exactly the same as the trick that Kazunari Fukatsu used to lure Takenori Akagi into jumping earlier!
With Kawada Masashi distracted by Mitsui Hisashi, Akagi Takenori's spot became empty.
The key point is that Mitsui Hisashi's move was absolutely beautiful, and the timing of his pass was incredibly precise!
"Well said!"
Akagi Takenori, who was open under the basket, roared!
At that moment, all the supporters of the Shohoku team couldn't help but shout, "Great pass! Mitsui! Great pass!"
boom!!!
Takenori Akagi suddenly leaped into the air!
The Great King Kong Dunks!
Takenori Akagi makes a powerful attack under the basket!
Two points secured!
This was Takenori Akagi's first goal of the game. He was so hungry that he lingered for a moment with his hands hanging on the basketball hoop, enjoying the joy of victory.
Wow! A gorilla dunk!
"The gorilla is starting to show its power!"
"The gorilla is amazing!"
At some point, the players on the Shohoku bench started calling him "Gorilla" in private.
Seeing Takenori Akagi's powerful dunk and strong score, they couldn't help but shout out the nickname "Gorilla".
But Coach Anzai looked at Mitsui Hisashi. He knew that the main reason for the ball's success was because of Mitsui's excellent pass!
Coach Anzai stood up, bent his arm forcefully towards Mitsui Hisashi, clenched his fist, and shouted, "Mitsui! Well done!"
For Mitsui Hisashi, gaining Coach Anzai's approval was the happiest thing, and he made the same gesture to Coach Anzai.
At this moment, Mitsui Hisashi, the athletic boy, is full of confidence!
However, in the stands, Aida Hikoichi said somewhat awkwardly, "Um... Coach, Mitsui passed the ball... You just said..."
Hikoichi Aida did not receive Coach Taoka's death stare.
At this moment, Coach Taoka was completely absorbed in his own world, his mind churning with emotions: "Ah!!! I knew it!!! If Mitsui had joined our Ryonan team, we would definitely be playing in the finals! Damn it!!! Why didn't he join our Ryonan team back then?"
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