Chapter 58 - Tokiwadai vs. Aiwa, Part 3. (1/2)

The first quarter ended with Tokiwadai in the lead with nine points. The score was 27-18 in Tokiwadai's favor.

Shun had started to go on offense, but the first quarter ended before Shun could build up momentum.

On the bench, Shun addressed the team. He was the point guard and the playmaker, so Mibuchi and coach left this part of the briefing to Shun.

Shun: ”As we discussed in the time-out, we will be scoring with shooting rather than finishing at the rim. Aone-san and Yuki, please set up screens for the shooters to shot with ease.

Set up screens even if the ball is not with Mibuchi or Kaitani. This will help both of them get away from the defenders.

If the shots are taken without disturbance, or hurry they will go in more, and the need to rebound will reduce.”

He looked at everybody and gave them instructions for defense.

Shun: ”Don't get close to your mark, this will give them a chance to score by shooting, but we have to give up something to gain something.

Leave the post to me. I will get more aggressive on rebounds. I will be moving more actively from this quarter, so please remember to move at your pace if you think you are getting tired.”

Aone moved his hands, telling Shun not to do that as he may get injured.

Shun smiled and placated Aone.

Shun: ”Aone-san, don't worry. I will not be making that much contact with them. I will be taking another approach.”

The time-out ended, and both teams returned to the court.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

The ball was with Aiwa, and Hanamiya dribbled the ball to inside the three-point arc.

Hanamiya had decided to score himself and close the gap a little bit. As he moved forward to score, in his way was Shun.

Hanamiya felt danger as he looked at Shun.

Hanamiya: 'What pressure!'

Hanamiya stopped and jumped up and raised his hand.

Mibuchi, who saw that recognized the attack.

Mibuchi: 'A scoop shot.'

The was on the verge of leaving Hanamiya's when a hand shot from in front of him and tipped the ball behind Hanamiya.

Shun had blocked the shot made by Hanamiya.

Hanamiya: 'He is fast! How did he cover that much distance and still managed to good hand on the ball.'

The ball was picked up by Kaitani, who went towards the basket. He was stopped by Aiwa's small forward.

Aiwa's small forward was going to step on Kaitani's foot, but Kitani backed away and passed the ball.

Mibuchi caught the ball, but he was covered up by Aiwa's shooting guard.

Mibuchi moved to the left. His defender followed him, but after a single step, he collided with a figure.

Aiwa's shooting guard looked and found Aone, who was now screening him.

Mibuchi stopped, took his time, and shot the ball from the three-point line.

Mibuchi: ”Taking a shoot from a complete stop is the best.”

Hanamiya looked at Tokiwadai and clicked his tongue.

Hanamiya: 'That screen was planned. Shooting off the screen has the best accuracy.'

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Hanamiya went ahead instead of getting the ball from the start.

He wanted to get a pass so that he could score when he became open. He looked at his defender and saw Kaitani looking up at him, grinning ferally.

Hanamiya: ”If you get too close, you will get hurt. I will give you a piece of advice, stay away from me and you won't get hurt.”

Kaitani snorted and stuck his tongue out.

Hanamiya was going to say something to intimidate Kaitani, but he felt a slight push from behind.

He looked behind and saw Shun standing close to him, making contact.

Hanamiya's eyes narrowed, but then he felt a push from the front. He looked to find that Kaitani has also gotten closer.

Hanamiya's eyes widened as he saw Kaitani's feral grin and Shun's blank face. He continued to get pushed around by both of them, Kaitani and Shun were not allowing Hanamiya to move at all.

The rest of Aiwa's team faltered for a second when they saw Hanamiya pushed around by a double-team, who was playing slightly rough with him.

[A/N: Imagine Kise's first match with Kuroko during Teiko, Kise was pushed around by a double-team from the opponent team.]

Yuki shook his head, but he had a smile on his face.

Yuki: ”I expected this from Kaitani, but to see Shun talking a part in that is surprising.”

Mibuchi sighed but didn't stop them from double-teaming Hanamiya. Aone was focusing on defending his mark and didn't mind what Kaitani and Shun were doing.