Stealing Spree

Following my devised strategy, Kawakami-senpai and the other two seniors raked in points after points. Satsuki and Kanno-senpai perfectly did their role; blocking the point guard during defense and becoming the focal point for their offense.

From a 12-point lead, it gradually went down to 4 points. I mean, even though they got chances, their field goals weren’t 100%. Moreover, there were also times when the opponent could still shoot from somewhere and land the basket by luck.

Through that short time, my observations also became more apparent. Apart from letting the point guard be their shot-caller, it became so obvious that if they didn’t pass to her, they were just going to kill time and shoot a wild shot before the shot clock expired.

And because of that, the little time they had diminished further. The game clock quickly approached the last two minutes. Furthermore, it was inevitable for the opposition to read the new strategy I devised.

I even heard that point guard mumbling while her eyes momentarily focused on me when she stood at the edge of the court and close to our bench, “Senpai said their current coach cannot possibly devise this new strategy. That guy... he’s the one in the middle of them earlier. He made this possible…”

Satsuki who was marking her smirked at that reaction, causing the girl to frown. And because of that momentary lapse in her thought process, Satsuki stole the ball and converted it into a quick layup which brought us to the current situation.

A timeout was called from the opposing side.

“Onoda-kun... Will it still be possible?” Kawakami-senpai didn’t waste a second. As soon as she returned to our side, she brought up that question.

She’s already breathing heavily. Her exhaustion has already set in. Nonetheless, the determination present in her eyes had yet to waver. She wanted to see this match through.

One by one, the other four returned and I answered once they all gathered to us.

The timeout was only 90 seconds so that’s too brief of a reprieve from exerting their physical strength. All they could do was to hydrate themselves while listening to what I had to say.

“They had yet to bring in a substitute but as you can see, this timeout that they called might be for that. Furthermore, I’m certain that they already know the strategy I imparted to all of you. Within these last two minutes, it will now be up to your judgment.”

Upon hearing that, gloom fell on everyone’s faces but only for a split second. They know that I’m just telling them the truth. Even if we employ a drastic strategy of intentional fouls to keep the game clock from going down, it was a double-edged sword.

“I see. I understand. Then watch us from here, Onoda-kun. Don’t run away if we ever pull this off and turn this game around. You’re now part of this team.” Kawakami-senpai nodded and the other girls followed suit. Sweeping away the pessimism from their heads, they forced themselves to smile before preparing to walk back into the court.

Part of their team, huh? Well, it’s not like I can run away easily. I’ll either rejoice or grieve with them depending on the result.

I know they still wanted to show their gratitude to me. And if it’s going to be their motivation then why not, right? Besides, it’s unlikely that they’re going to throw themselves at me if they ever win this. That’s something that will only happen in fiction. Being pampered by Kawakami-senpai again might become the greatest reward excluding what Satsuki and Eguchi-sensei would be giving to me.

“Of course, I’ll celebrate or cry with you, senpai. I made myself involved so... please win for me. No. Win for everyone.” I replied as I lifted my clenched fist to cheer for them.

Satsuki couldn’t help herself at this point. After chugging a whole bottle of water, the girl hugged my head to her chest. Even if she was full of sweat and her chest was huffing and puffing nonstop, she was once again recharging herself using my presence.

Of course, the others didn’t copy her but that made them laugh, easing some of the tension on their shoulders.

Soon after being freed by my girl, I sparingly used the remaining time to make a quick revision of their strategy. The offense will now focus only on three persons, Kawakami-senpai, the shooting guard, and Satsuki. The defense will start double-teaming the one possessing the ball. That way, turnover and quick conversion of points could still be done.

4 points remained. Normally, that could still be bridged easily but with the players already so exhausted and they’re only running with the motivation they derived from me, it would definitely be a miracle if they managed to win this.

With the hope on our side reignited, I looked up at the audience side to see everyone cheering again. I don’t know when Setsuna-nee and Juri arrived but I immediately locked eyes with them when I strained my neck.

Both of them were making a thumbs-up gesture while grinning as though they witnessed my contribution to this team.

And looking past them, my girls whose focus was on me rather than the game itself were looking proudly at me.

I guess there’s no hiding the fact that I took over the coaching position anymore. Eguchi-sensei and the other members of this club weren’t helping as well. The former was as proud as my girls while the others were staring at me respectfully.

Soon, the referee blew her whistle signifying the continuation of the game. Along with it, the panel announced the change in the roster of the opposing team.

Like what we did, the two senior players who got substituted out went back in to bolster their strength.

From the way they positioned themselves, their strategy must’ve changed to holding the ball as long as possible to burn down the game clock.

BZZZT!

As though the sound of the buzzer became a spell that stopped the time for everyone, everyone including the audience watching this exhilarating match held their breath as they focused all their eyes on the only thing moving in the air.

Kawakami-senpai threw the last shot at the last second with the score being 75-76. The trajectory of the arc was perfect but at the same time, it was wobbly. No one could predict if it would drop at the net or bounce off the ring.

In any case, this was the decisive moment.

Win or lose, everyone did their best.

But of course, as someone who stepped up just to not witness them lose this match, my feet dragged me up from my seat to stand up and shout at the ball to give us the win.

One second became an eternity. Nonetheless, the time couldn’t be suspended for too long.

With bloodshot eyes, we all watched as the ball approached the ring.

SWOOSH!

BRRRRT!

At the same time as the smooth sound of the ball passing down the net, the referee's whistle reverberated, signaling the resumption of the suspended time.

Almost instantly, the girls around me jumped in joy and deafening cheers and applause ensued from those watching above us.

Lastly, while the five players of the opposing team got overtaken with despair, Satsuki and the other girls inside the court ran towards Kawakami-senpai carrying her up their shoulders.

The scoreboard then flipped and the final score was recorded.

77-76.

This year, a new champion emerged in our city.