Stealing Spree

The strategy I was going to propose was a simple one. It’s just using our strengths while exploiting our opponent’s weaker side. But before I do that, I have to tell them my observation and see if they also notice it. If not then I’ll point it out to them.

That’s why as soon as I got their attention, I borrowed the whiteboard and marker from Eguchi-sensei. Without wasting a second of the short duration of this timeout, the marker squeaked across the board as I circled a spot on it that represented the point guard of the opposing team. While doing so, I checked on their reactions.

Naturally, some raised an eyebrow as they were intrigued by what I meant by that. However, I was searching for someone who had a bigger reaction.

Thankfully, there’s someone.

Kanno-senpai immediately paused in gulping down refreshments to speak.

“That... You noticed it too, Onoda-kun.”

“Yes, senpai. I did. For those confused, I’ll quickly explain this and move on to suggesting a new strategy to follow that will close that 12-point gap. I asked Eguchi-sensei for this timeout but it’s still up to you whether to listen to me or not.”

I’m not their coach, after all. All of them are more knowledgeable than me when it comes to this sport. That’s why I have to say it.

Satsuki’s unwavering eyes landed on me. With her almost blind trust in me, convincing her wouldn’t be difficult. She’s aware that I wouldn’t step up like this if I’m not confident.

As for the others, Kawakami-senpai appeared interested while the rest remained puzzled.

“Ever since the start of the second half, their baskets have been centered around this person.” I started, highlighting the point guard again.

“Every time she gets the ball, they will certainly attempt to break past your defenses and score a point. In particular, this one...” I moved the marker to the shooting guard that was positioned outside the three-point boundary. “... she always prioritizes her when starting the play.”

During the first half, the central brain of the opposing team was their team captain like Kawakami-senpai. However, when those two got subbed in, their plays became centered around the two. And that’s the reason why even though Satsuki and Kanno-senpai’s defense should be near-impenetrable, they still took off with an additional 6-point lead.

If I have to guess, those two are related. That shooting guard transferred to the same school to play with that rookie point guard. Unlike Satsuki who was unknown during their middle school since she never really competed in an official match, their names would probably turn up if Eguchi-sensei did a thorough investigation. They’re possibly a duo at some point during their middle school that also led their team to a number of victories.

From here, I continued my explanation. I showed them the signs of why I believed that was so. The time was ticking, I couldn’t afford to be long-winded.

Fortunately, Kawakami-senpai became convinced by my reasoning to think that way and with her lead, everyone followed.

A minute later, I finished it and immediately switched to discussing the strategy.

“There’s only five minutes in the game clock. To close this gap, we have to do some drastic repositioning based on the circumstances. Let me start with the defense first. Of course, your priority remained in preventing them from scoring again.”

Upon saying that, I circled Satsuki’s position. Since she didn’t substitute Kanno-senpai, she was put in the power forward position.

“Satsuki, during defenses you have to watch out for the ball. If they passed it to their point guard, you have to mark her. Block her view of the court. It might not be that effective but it will render her impossible to see every hole in your defenses. It will limit their choices, easing your defense.”

“Kanno-senpai should remain under the basket and Kawakami-senpai should mark the shooting guard. As for the other seniors, you just have to stick to the others and prevent them from getting an open space. If they shoot the ball, Kanno-senpai and Satsuki will be able to reach them.”

The marker squeaked more as I drew a layout on the board about their opponents’ possible entry points. I then looked at the two second years that got substituted in along with Satsuki. They’re already near exhaustion. While they could still squeeze themselves some more, their juice was about to run out. So, I decisively told them to leave the last four minutes to the seniors who had gotten their rest. At most, they could only play for a minute or less. As soon as a score was made for the team, they’d be subbed out.

Well, I could comfort them if there’s more time. Unfortunately, there was none. I could only look at them and implore their hearts through eye contact to follow my suggestion.

Once that was done, I erased them and continued to talk about their offense.

“Alright. This will be crucial. Kawakami-senpai, please funnel all your plays to the two of them. Make them believe that you’re desperate to score and close the gap.”

Kawakami-senpai readily nodded. There are only 30 seconds left to the timeout so, someone already ran to inform the staff about the substitutions.

After taking a deep breath, I continued while pointing at Kawakami-senpai and the other two seniors, “However, the ones who will score for the team are the three of you. Be it a drive, a jump shot, or a three-point, Satsuki and Kanno-senpai will be creating those opportunities for you.”

“That... I don’t doubt this strategy, Onoda-kun. But how confident are you about this?”

Once I finished delivering everything I had to say, the captain of the basketball club, Kawakami-senpai stepped up to clear any lingering doubts in the others' heads by asking a question. I did expect that so I have a prepared answer.

“80%. I’ve only been observing them for the entirety of the second half. If they substituted a new player halfway then... that will drop to 50%.”

“That’s enough. No. That’s too generous of a chance to turn this situation around. Thank you.”

“Save the gratitude for later, senpai. Go out there and win this for all of us.”

“We will.” With a determined look on their faces, Satsuki, Kawakami-senpai, and the other three confidently strode back to the court.

As we watched their backs as they prepared to give it their all to realize the strategy I gave them, Eguchi-sensei leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Onoda-kun, wanna take my position? I see that you’re more fit to be in this position than me.”

“Nope. Not really. I did that out of desperation and my desire not to see them lose. In the end, I’m still uncertain whether it will be effective or not.”

“You’re too humble... Then I’ll have to keep you close to me instead.”

“Mhm. That’s better.” I said as I sneakily squeezed her hand. With the game already starting, everyone’s attention already returned to the court. And likewise, the cheers once again echoed across the whole venue, drowning out any small noise.

Ten seconds later, Kawakami-senpai landed her first basket after getting the ball from Satsuki. It's a three-point shot from the side.

59-68

9 points left.