Chapter 17: The Battle Begins

Classes officially began the next day, and the homeroom teacher was still in an excellent mood.
“This time, our class basketball team made it to the semifinals—impressive! Of the four key classes, only ours has come this far. This shows that our class excels in moral, intellectual, and physical development!”

But then the tone shifted. “However, everyone still needs to focus mainly on your studies. The second monthly exam is coming up soon.”

The whole class let out sighs and groans! Being a student is exhausting!

“I want to hold your hand and escape this universe, free from gravity, the sunlight overflowing with your gentleness!”

Time quickly passed to Saturday—the day they would face Class Twelve.

Yu Hang was the most nervous. They had been eliminated by the same opponent twice already, which was a blow to his pride.

Qiang stood on the court, exerting an intangible pressure on everyone. If he managed another 20+15 game, there would be no suspense in the outcome.

At tip-off, Zheng Yuan jumped but was no match for Qiang, who easily secured the first possession.

He passed the ball to Wu Jianhao, who began the offense!

Anyone who has played basketball knows that the first few minutes of offense and defense are crucial, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Wu Jianhao, ball in hand, didn’t even wait for both sides to set up. He broke straight through, forcing a layup over Yu Hang—and scored!

This was the advantage of superior physicality!

Yu Hang muttered under his breath, “Beast!” and started his own drive.

He and Da Xu ran a pick-and-roll, then handed the ball to Da Xu on the roll. Da Xu scored on a layup!

Ming Han watched anxiously from the bench. Now he understood why Class Twelve was such a tough opponent—so steady! Qiang went 3 for 5 in the first quarter, all from mid-range. Clearly, he was conserving energy; his first step was just as hard to stop.

The first quarter ended with a score of 15:14. Though down by just one point, Ming Han knew it was only because Yu Hang and Da Xu were both on fire, each hitting a three-pointer. But what about the second quarter? Could they keep it up so easily?

“Ming Han, sub in for Chen Bao. We’ll play twin centers. Force them to shoot from outside.”

Chen Bao hadn’t played well in the first quarter; his heavy build made him too slow to double with Zheng Yuan.

Ming Han nodded.

In the second quarter, Qiang continued to float outside, shooting jumpers—3 for 4. He was already up to 15 points. Class Thirteen didn’t make any threes this quarter and gradually ran out of steam, falling behind by five.

Ming Han hit a mid-range jumper, but it wasn’t enough to contain the opposition.

During halftime, Yu Hang was mostly silent; it was Zheng Yuan who discussed strategy for the next half.

“Yu Hang, let me guard Qiang?” Ming Han said seriously.

Yu Hang fell silent, uncertain whether to agree—after all, the game meant a lot to him.

They could vaguely hear Wu Jianhao boasting to the girls in his class, “We haven’t even tried yet and they’re already falling apart. They’re really no match!”

Zheng Yuan thought for a moment. “I think it’s worth a try. I can’t match his height.”

Yu Hang worried Qiang would trick Ming Han into fouls with his experience—Qiang’s free throw percentage was around seventy percent!

“Let’s give it a shot!”

The third quarter began!

Qiang finally turned up the intensity. He demanded the ball, faced Ming Han, lowered his center of gravity, feinted a drive, took one dribble left, and pulled up for a jumper—nothing but net!

Ming Han didn’t lose heart; he hadn’t lost his defensive position.

Next play, Ming Han received the ball. Usually, Da Xu or Chao Yang would run along the baseline for a screen and catch a pass from Ming Han.

Unexpectedly, Ming Han faked a shot, and though Qiang didn’t jump, he reached as high as possible to contest. Ming Han pulled the ball back, drove past on one side, Qiang followed closely, but Ming Han suddenly stopped and shot. Qiang’s arm caught his, but the shot went in with a swish!

Yu Hang was stunned by the sequence. “When did this kid learn that move?”

Though Ming Han had been playing almost as much as Yu Hang over the past month, his progress was undeniable.

Qiang shot Ming Han a sidelong glance. “Not bad.”

Ming Han just smiled without replying.