Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, a beautiful sporting complex located in the heart of Tokyo.
The gymnasium was built in a prime position; it was a one-minute walk from the nearest train station.
Originally built in 1954 for the World Wrestling Championship, but as time passed more sports were eventually added to the gymnasium.
Now, it hosted the Nationals for the middle school basketball division and the two championship leagues of the high school basketball division. These two leagues were Inter-high championship cup and the Winter Cup.
Today, the main event in the gymnasium was the finals for the Middle School National Championship between Meikō Junior High, the King of Kings and the favourite to win and Teikō Junior High, a school on a similar level but ultimately viewed as a lower talent level school.
Meikō Junior High, the defending champions were going to defend their title. They would also try their hand at achieving a consecutive championship title. They had an unusual lineup, with their starting lineup completely consisted of five prodigy freshmen, nicknamed by many, 'The Five Phenoms.
Playing against the champions was Teikō Junior High, a National powerhouse that visits the Nationals regularly. They were in the same boat as Meikō in terms of their lineup. Four of their five starters consisted of freshmen students.
Meikō middle school had made it to the finals with a lineup full of first-year students, no matter what the result of the finals was, the middle school basketball scene was sure that Meikō was going to be a top contender for the next two years.
Both teams were given the signal to enter the court for the official warmups.
"Look at their entrance! King of Kings indeed!"
"It's like a synchronised choreography?"
"Our King of Kings!"
These were the cheers of the fans who watched the teams enter the court. As many people could see, Meikō walked onto the court in a single file line, the aura they were giving off was so thick Teikō's players was sure they could cut through it with scissors.
"Wow, talk about aura!" Aomine stated as he spoke with his friends, facing Midorima, Akashi, Murasakibara and Nijimura.
"Man, I feel like I'm getting engulfed right now." The blue haired boy stated with a smirk as he looked at his team.
"Indeed. Hikigaya-san is indeed a monster in his own right. We need to talk strategy." Midorima stated as Nijimura agreed before looking over at a gray haired boy who sat leisurely on the floor.
"Haizaki! Get over here!" The black haired teen exclaimed as he looked at the small forward, who immediately rushed over after being beckoned by the captain.
"Okay. As you guys know, you guys will be the ones to start the game. And we need to start off with a bang. This time around, the jump ball isn't certain with a center the same size as Murasakibara, possibly a bit taller.
Therefore, I want you guys to be prepared for anything." Nijimura stated as a similar conversation was being held on the other side of the court.
"You guys all know you're matchups but in case you've forgotten.
Masahiko, you'll be guarding Murasakibara. We need you to give your full effort on defense and try to limit shots inside the painted area.
Momoharu, you'll be guarding Aomine. Keep close to him at all times. If you let him get in a rhythm, then his scoring will be nonstop.
You'll also be leaned upon for offense. Most of the passes will be going towards you and you'll be the focal point of our offense. As the ace, we need you to get as many touches as possible.
Ogiwara. You'll be guarding Haizaki. According to Sasaki-chan's info on your matchup, he is known as a pillager. He steals people's moves and disrupts their rhythm.
There's not enough information about him as he's not played in that many matches for some reason, but you need to counter him as much as possible. He's the weakest compared to the others, play how you usually do against him and his usefulness will be depleted significantly.
Reo-kun, you'll be marking Shintaro-kun. Try to stop him from scoring as hard as you can, but, I don't really think he can be stopped. So all I need you to do, is try to outscore him. For the first quarter, you're the first person I'm looking to pass to on offense.
I, myself, will be guarding Seijuro-kun. Now that you guys know your objectives. Get on with your warmups and get ready for the match, this will be the most difficult one of the season and I'm sure many of you have this game circled on your calendars. So with that, I won't allow half hearted play. You will play all out and guarantee the team's victory." Hikigaya spoke to his teammates as they heeded his every word.
"Hai!" Was the chorus of affirmation from his teammates as the team got on with their warm ups.
Back on Teikō's side, the team were expected to give a good fight, but ultimately lose to the King of Kings just like the year prior.
"We will win! No matter what!" Aomine exclaimed as he got his teammates pumped up. Midorima adjusted his finger tape as he held a confident smirk.
"We know that, baka. But there should be some caution, this is the best middle school in the country we're facing." Midorima spoke as Aomine looked at the green haired sharpshooter.
"Right," He said as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "It's just, we've had some pretty good matches up to now. And these being the best in Japan, just excites me. Bring it on, Haru-kun!!" Exclaimed the boy as he shook his fist, before faling to the ground after receiving a harsh punch from his team captain.
"Would you shut up, baka!" Exclaimed Nijimura as the rest of the team looked on in amusement, the scene being able to calm their nerves.
"C-Captain! Why?" Aomine complained.
"Be quiet!" The black haired second year replied, quieting the eager first year immediately.
The teams continued on with their warm up routines, getting ready to go against each other finally...
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TBC
