Chapter 014: The Best at Defense, the Best at Offense! This is Seagull Middle School's Rarest Ace
Tsugawa Tomoki was not as tall as Hoshiumi Mì, but his defensive footwork was exceptionally quick. Coupled with his sensitivity for defending on the edge of a foul, he was a nightmare for opponents.
In the future, a young Kise would be bested by Tsugawa Tomoki.
Within the Iwai team... during team practices, many players were endlessly annoyed by his defense.
So in the Iwai coach's plan for the new school year, it was decided that if a fierce scorer emerged in the opponent's lineup, they would all be handed over to Tsugawa Tomoki to deal with.
On the Kamomedai side.
Coach Nakama Sho was explaining the next tactic to his players:
"Although we've hit a few threes in a row, it doesn't mean the whole team is hot. The only one who's really feeling it is Hoshiumi. So those guys from Iwai will definitely continue with their four-man zone defense! And they will definitely send someone to stick to Hoshiumi. Hoshiumi, you can't stop moving without the ball!"
Hoshiumi Mì nodded: "Yes, I'll use screens to get open."
Nakama Sho then patted Hoshiumi Mì's shoulder: "Screens don't have to rely on teammates! You can also cut directly into their four-man zone and use that to shake off the guy chasing you!"
Hoshiumi Mì's eyes couldn't help but light up: "Let the Iwai defenders be my screens!"
Nakama Sho smiled and nodded: "That's right! That way, with you as a threat, their defensive formation will definitely fall into disarray! Once they're in disarray, our opportunities will appear!"
Hoshiumi Mì nodded in understanding: "I get it."
..................................................................................
Soon, the timeout was over.
Iwai's offense. Hoshiumi Mì continued to pester Mitsubayashi Koji with the 'Dance of the Spider's Legs'. At this time, the Iwai power forward stepped up and steadily hit a two-pointer.
The deficit was back to 8 points.
Kamomedai's offense.
Iwai, as expected, used their four-man zone defense, while Tsugawa Tomoki stuck to Hoshiumi Mì like a shadow, not giving him a single chance to receive the ball.
The audience in the arena immediately observed this situation.
"There it is! That little bald guy is starting to guard Hoshiumi."
"He completely locked down Captain Imamatsu before."
"I don't know if Hoshiumi can hit those threes with this guy guarding him."
"It'll be tough. Although that bald guy is shorter than Hoshiumi, his rhythm between close-quarters pressure and retreating on defense is amazing, and he's incredibly fast. Once he's on you, it'll be difficult for Hoshiumi to keep making threes."
..................................................................................
Kamomedai Gymnasium.
The game continues.
The small and quick Tsugawa, though not as tall as Hoshiumi, could stick to him outside the three-point line without giving an inch, allowing no opportunity to receive the ball. His arms waved in front of Hoshiumi's eyes like someone was waving two fans around.
His defensive technique was quite outstanding.
For a moment.
Hoshiumi Mì really couldn't get the ball.
However...
Suddenly.
With a deft spin, Hoshiumi Mì zipped into the paint.
Tsugawa Tomoki naturally followed like a shadow, close behind.
Hoshiumi Mì plunged headfirst into Iwai's zone, nimbly weaving around the power forward, and then quickly dashed towards the left corner three-point line to receive the ball. Because he had the advantage as the offensive player, Tsugawa Tomoki was naturally a step behind in his pursuit. His teammates didn't dare to easily make way either; one move and the zone defense formation would collapse. Seeing Hoshiumi Mì running to the three-point line, Tsugawa Tomoki got anxious, pushed his teammate aside, and desperately chased after him.
At this time, Hoshiumi Mì had an opening. He steadily caught the pass from Imamatsu Shinshu and, without hesitation, raised his arms in a shooting motion. Tsugawa was out of defensive position.
Seeing that Hoshiumi Mì was about to shoot...
Thump!
Tsugawa leaped directly, pouncing towards Hoshiumi Mì!
It had to be said, his defensive speed was absolutely top-tier. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to keep up with Kise Ryota and the future Kagami. Even in this situation, he was still able to close the distance and leap, completely covering Hoshiumi Mì and blocking his shot.
But... Hoshiumi Mì naturally knew of Tsugawa's defensive prowess.
This was just a pump fake!
Tsugawa Tomoki: "!?"
Not good!
Seeing Tsugawa's whistling figure fly past in his peripheral vision, Hoshiumi Mì couldn't help but reveal a slight smile. He then calmly jumped and released the three-pointer!
Swish!
Nothing but net!
The deficit was instantly cut to just 5 points.
The crowd once again erupted in cheers from the Kamomedai students!
..................................................................................
On the other end, Iwai's offense.
Hoshiumi Mì stuck to Mitsubayashi Koji defensively.
After receiving the ball, Mitsubayashi Koji, seeing Hoshiumi clinging to him, took a step to the side while dribbling and at the same time, forcefully bumped Hoshiumi Mì away to create space for a mid-range jumper.
But, with the 'Dance of the Spider's Legs' boost, Hoshiumi Mì's reaction was extremely fast.
The moment he was bumped away, he instantly took another step forward!
At this time, Mitsubayashi Koji had only raised the ball halfway and hadn't had time to jump.
Hoshiumi Mì swung his right arm around...
Smack!
A solid block, swatting the ball down right in his face!
On the left, Kouchi Masaya, with quick eyes and hands, scooped up the ball and pushed it to the frontcourt like a bolt of lightning! Hoshiumi Mì also quickly followed, cutting straight to the left corner of the frontcourt!
At this time.
The opposing point guard caught up to Kouchi Masaya, blocking his path to the basket. Kouchi Masaya glanced at Hoshiumi Mì in the left corner and, without hesitation, threw the ball to him!
Hoshiumi Mì caught the ball and, facing the desperately retreating Mitsubayashi Koji, faked a jump shot!
However... it was a shot fake!
Mitsubayashi Koji was completely baited, flying past him!
But at the same time, Tsugawa Tomoki also rushed over!
Hoshiumi Mì faked again!
Tsugawa Tomoki was also fooled into jumping high!
If Hoshiumi Mì chose to shoot at this moment, the recovering Mitsubayashi Koji would surely be able to block it. So he took a large dribble step to the right, flashing past the desperate fingertips of Mitsubayashi Koji, just as he had anticipated!
He shot!
Swish!
Another three!
The deficit was only 2 points!
The excitement of this play could be felt from the roar of the Kamomedai students in the stands!
"Beautiful!"
"So confident!"
"On a fast break, he fakes twice outside the three-point line and then hits the three!"
"It must be the threat of his previous fast-break three. After all, Hoshiumi can really just pull up and shoot!"
"A two-way player!"
"Guarding their best offensive player, and being their best offensive player! The ace Kamomedai desperately needs!"