"So now that we've established the teams for the half-hour scrimmage, how do we determine who will get the ball first? The standard way or through a coin flip?" asked Makoto as he took out a coin.
"Since it's four persons on each team, I think the coin flip would be the best option," said Yukio.
"Yes, I agree with that method—plain and simple," said Takahiro.
"Okay, heads or tails, Hayato?" asked Makoto.
"I say tails," replied Hayato.
"Okay, let's see," said Makoto as he flicked the coin into the air and caught it in his hand.
"Hayato's team gets the first ball," said Makoto.
"Alright, now that this is out of the way, let's begin," said Nanaho as she sat.
At the start of the game, Takahiro inbounded the basketball to Hayato, who dribbled the ball up the court.
"We have fifteen minutes in the half, so we'll have to score as much as possible," he said to himself.
Makoto then calmly stepped up to guard Hayato. However, without hesitation, Hayato passed the ball to Noboru, who, with a fake, got by Shino and passed the ball to Liam in the paint, where he was guarded by Yukio. Using the knowledge that Yukio had drilled into him, he dropped his hip for more power and pounded the ball on the floor, sending Yukio under the rim off balance. Liam then set up and scored a simple layup.
"Nice one, Liam! Now let's stop them on their possession," said Hayato as he ran back on defense.
"He scored all thanks to me passing him the ball, so where the hell is my credit for that?" said Noboru, pissed.
"I see, you're finally getting the hang of it, Liam," said Yukio as he smiled.
On the next possession, Yukio passed the ball to Makoto, who dribbled it slowly up the court.
"It's been a while since we've played against each other. Show me what you've got, Makoto," said Hayato as he stepped up to guard him.
Yukio set a screen for Tetsuo and cut to the rim.
"Shino, get yourself free," said Makoto.
Yukio then quickly screened off Takahiro, allowing Tetsuo to get free, and immediately after, he cut through the key.
"I can't allow Tetsuo to get the ball on the outside. He'll definitely score," said Takahiro as he immediately got back to guarding Tetsuo. However, he noticed that Liam was also thinking the same thing and was also guarding Tetsuo, leaving Yukio wide open.
As swift and precise as an arrow, Makoto passed the basketball to Yukio, who easily scored a layup.
"If it takes something as simple as that to break down your defensive formation, then you guys have a lot of work to do," said Makoto as he jogged back on defense.
"Makoto really is a great point guard. In a single play, he proved that point—and without breaking a sweat," said Nanaho, impressed.
After bringing the ball up the court, Hayato quickly passed the ball to Takahiro and set a screen for him, allowing him to drive to the rim to attempt a layup. Yukio jumped into the air to block him; however, Takahiro passed the ball to Liam, who dunked it.
"That's what I'm talking about! Nice dunk, big guy," said Noboru.
On the next possession, Makoto called for a double screen and then drove to the rim. To prevent him from scoring, Takahiro left his marker, thinking that he'd be able to corner him with Liam. Makoto then quickly dished out the ball to Tetsuo through Takahiro's legs. Tetsuo set up and shot a three-pointer that swished.
Immediately after, the ball was passed to Noboru, who scored a layup off a fast break. Makoto then dribbled the ball up the court, where he was met by Hayato.
"Let's see what you've got, Makoto," he said as he applied pressure.
Makoto remained calm. Yukio cut through the key, and upon glancing at him, Makoto passed the ball directly into his hands with a behind-the-back pass.
Yukio quickly shot a layup and scored before Liam could block him.
"How the hell did that pass get through? And it was so precise. He passed through the small gaps in our defense. This kid is really amazing," thought Hayato, impressed.
"Now I see why, in junior high, they called him the Phantom Point Guard. His passes are so lethal and quick. He even added a spin to it. It's almost like a missile that has locked onto its target. The ball will always find you, no matter what," said Yukio as he smiled.
"Looks like Makoto is still living up to his junior high reputation. Our team couldn't get any better. Inter-High, here we come," thought Nanaho excitedly.
After coming down the court, Hayato quickly passed to Takahiro, who shot a two-pointer that swished. Makoto then brought down the ball once more and passed it to Shino, who took the triple-threat position. Noboru then stepped up to guard him.
"What are you going to do? There's nothing you can do because you'll never get past me, amateur," said Noboru confidently.
"He's right. I can't beat him… No, I'm wrong. If I can't get past him, I'll never get better," thought Shino.
He faked a shot, causing Noboru to jump. He then drove to the rim and attempted a layup. However, Liam tried to block it. Shino then passed the ball to Yukio, who dunked it with one hand.
"Nice work, Shino. Keep it up," said Yukio as he tapped him on the shoulder.
"I did it. I somehow managed to get past him," thought Shino, surprised.
"That bastard! How dare he humiliate me like that," thought Noboru, pissed.
"Wow, Shino has really come a long way. His training is really paying off. Then again, nobody practices and works as hard as he does, so I'm glad that he's making progress," thought Nanaho as she smiled.
"Hayato, pass the ball," said Noboru. Hayato passed the ball.
"Let's see what you've got, amateur. You'll never get past me," said Shino.
"We'll see about that. I'll bring you back down to earth," replied Noboru.
As Noboru dribbled the ball and crossed over to get by Shino, Shino managed to stay in front of him. Noboru then spun off him, but Shino reacted and stayed in front of him again.
"Wow, he can't shake him," said Takahiro, surprised.
"Shit! When did he get so good at defense?" thought Noboru as he frustratingly tried to get past Shino.
Out of nowhere, Makoto stole the ball from him.
"Shit! I didn't see him—that sneaky bastard!"
Makoto then quickly dribbled the ball and scored a layup.
"I hate to admit it, but the four players they have are a better combination than ours. My only option is to use Liam to gain some form of advantage," thought Hayato.
On the next possession, Hayato passed the ball to Liam in the post, where he was guarded by Yukio. Using his strength, Liam easily powered his way through and dunked the basketball.
"This game is really getting exciting. I wonder who will win," thought Nanaho.