Second Chances

Chapter 8

Seiho High

My eyes carefully observe every details of the players' playing patterns and movements from the DVD copy of the match between Seiho and some other school. Can't help but to marvel over their amazing defense, and unusual offense like there's some technique  to it. 

I recorded all the things I have analyzed in my clipboard, yawning as I still have to do some more scouting. We're playing two kings in a row, which means I need to scout their defense and offense, and plan a strategy to nullify those. 

And there's no such thing like over-analyzing. 

The Seiho's player number #10 certainly caught my attention. That guy with shaven head..shaven head...that bald head...he looks familiar...

I snapped my fingers in realization. Oh, I knew him. We played against his team when we were still in middle school. Right, he stopped Kise-kun during that match...and he has that cheery smiling face even though he's playing...it looks pretty weird. 

My eyes narrowed. Tsugawa Tomoki.

I paused the video and scanned my notebook of all the data of the players in my bag, as I search for Tsugawa Tomoki's data.

There.

"Tsugawa Tomoki. Height: 180 cm, weight: 68 kg, one of the starter in Seiho High." I read out loud. "His stats are average, but his stamina and technique are exceptionally good. His special technique is known as pressure defense. Can guard opponent very close and limits his movements. Proficient in forcing fouls by jumping in front of the players.." 

"Complication." I mumble, continuing the video and watching it at the rest of the lunch time. 

*******

Everyone in the basketball club gathered in one of the classrooms, as the coach and I let them watch the match between Seiho and Kitawada. 

In the end, Seiho wins, with the score of 71-12.

"We already knew what it would be, but this is going to be tough." Izuki-senpai said, after watching the game. 

"Sorry, but I feel like crying again." Koganei-senpai added. 

"Frankly, we'd lose nine times out of ten against Seiho and Shutoku. We just have to bring that one win to our games." The coach reassured. 

"Hey, listen." We all turned our attention to the captain. "I wouldn't go so far as to call it a strategy, but I have an idea.

*******

The day of the match came. As usual, I'm busy organizing stuffs like towels and mineral waters to pay attention to the both sides warming up for the upcoming match. 

However, with the idea given by Hyuga-senpai and my analysis, they already had an idea on how Seiho's playing patterns are, but there's one thing that's been bugging my mind. 

Their offense is weird, and I don't have the slightest idea on how it works, no matter how I examine it.

"Seiho seems more normal than I expected." Furihata commented. "They don't have any really big guys."

"I supposed they are small for a national class team. Their biggest player is their captain, Iwamura-kun." Riko-senpai stated. 

"Is he about as tall as Mitobe-senpai?" 

"He's so wide! He's so thick! He seems really powerful." 

"He plays the center." I added, smiling. "Then there's their play maker, Kasuga-kun. Those two third years are the core of the team."