After completing the first set of exercises, Assistant Coach Makiyama made the decision to split the team into two groups based on the player's year in school. Five new additions had been promoted to the first-string, and Makiyama was eager to witness the new talents in action against the regular players.
A substitute player from the first-string took the role as referee, positioning himself at the center of the court. He held the basketball in his hands, and poised to toss the ball into the air for the jump ball.
Both teams selected their tallest players to contest for the jump ball. Masahiko stood at the center, matching the height of the opponent's centre, Noboru Ken, who faced off against him.
Ogiwara's wide grin radiated his intense enthusiasm. The upcoming game stirred his excitement, and he couldn't help but revel in it. Despite it being just a practice match, he was eager at the prospect of facing opponents who were seasoned regulars in a team considered the strongest in the Middle School Basketball scene thrilled the blond.
Amidst the changed atmosphere, Hikki turned to Ogiwara, a smile curving his lips. His own excitement matching that of his teammate. The practice game was a perfect opportunity for them to gauge the skills of their opponents, a prospect that had Hikki's anticipation bubbling.
The last scrimmage match was against one of the starters, which hadn't been enough to satiate Hikki's desires. While they could barely defend against one of the starters, he was anticipating to face up against all five of Meikō's starters.
Curious about Ogiwara's thoughts, Hikki inquired, "Lokking forward to it?"
Ogiwara's grin remained and he replied with unwavering excitement, "Absolutely, I've heard they're no pushovers."
"Indeed, these are the starters of the legendary Meikō team we're talking about." Mibuchi chimed in as he stretched his arms, his own demeanour reflective of anticipation. As he stretched his wrists, he added, "They have consistently held a top three position in the National ranking. Their skill is beyond doubt."
Engaging in this pre-game chatter, the anticipation continued to build. Amidst the exchanges, the seniors who had taken on the role as referees, signaled for the teams to get ready, indicating that the moment of action was drawing near.
The referee then lofted the ball into the air, and both Masahiko and his opponent leaped to reach it. With no degree of difficulty, Masahiko swatted the ball with a well timed hit towards Hikigaya, his first year teammate.
Swiftly reacting, all the first year players surged forward, positioning themselves closer to the opposing team's court. However, Masahiko's approach was more leisurely, he simply strolled back and stationed himslef within the first-year team's defensive zone, his focus on blocking the opponent's offensive manoeuvres.
Hikki began to dribble the ball, making his way down the court calmly. However immediately, the starting point guard, Takaheshi Aoki, swiftly positioned himself in front of Hikigaya, intent on preventing him from progressing further. The senior players marked each of the first year players, leaving no room for gaps in their defense.
Observing Takaheshi's solid defense, Hikigaya smirked. 'It seems I underestimated the whole team, I expected them to be similar to the bench player's skill. I now realise why they consistently held top three all these years.' Hikki thought as he performed a fake drive to the right, though Takaheshi hadn't fallen for it.
In a snap, Ogiwara located the perfect opening, which Hikki noticed immediately, and with a flashy no look pass, Ogiwara received the ball. With an excited grin, Ogiwara deftly dribbled the ball toward the hoop, his speed and skill allowing him to navigate through the defenders with finesse.
